NBA Playoff Predictions: Best Bets for Thursday, May 7

My NBA playoff picks and predictions dive into the latest NBA odds for Thursday’s doubleheader featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA Playoff Predictions & Best Bets for May 7

• Donovan Mitchell Under 3.5 assists (+115)
• Austin Reaves Under 28.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Prediction for Game 2

For Thursday’s Game 2 between the Cavaliers and Pistons, I’m targeting the under on Donovan Mitchell’s assist prop (3.5).

Mitchell was held in check in Game 1, posting 23 points, four rebounds, and just two assists. He figures to be more impactful offensively tonight, but his passing volume should remain low throughout this series.

Detroit was the stingiest team in the league in allowing assists during the regular season, and that trend has carried into the playoffs. Mitchell also isn’t passing as much in the postseason, averaging 2.8 fewer assists, 3.8 fewer potential dimes, and 6.6 fewer passes per game.

The line has already dropped from 4.5 to 3.5 to reflect some of this, but the under still offers value at plus-money odds.

Lakers vs. Thunder Prediction for Game 2

My Lakers vs. Thunder prediction will take the under on Austin Reaves’ PRA line (28.5) in Game 2.

Reaves, who returned from injury in Round 1, predictably struggled against the Thunder’s size and physicality in the series opener. He finished with eight points on 16 shots to go along with five rebounds and six assists.

As a result, Reaves’ PRA line has dropped from 29.5 to 28.5 in Game 2, and people are debating if he’s worth a max contract. The latter is an overreaction, while the former reflects his struggles in this matchup.

Reaves hasn’t cleared this PRA line in all four head-to-head meetings this year, averaging 13 points, four rebounds, and 4.3 assists. It’s worth jumping on this under before the market adjusts.