NBA Playoff Props For Second Round Games

The NBA Playoffs continue into the second round games and the Brooklyn Nets remain the favorite to win the NBA title. The LA Lakers were eliminated in the first round, and the Utah Jazz continue to surge. I chip-in at FanDuel and affiliate sites with odds, props, game insight and information you can bet on.

We crushed player props in first round games, and we’ve added more winners in the second round while adding other types of prop bets and alternate props.

That includes 3-0 on the Game 2 prop bets in the LA Clippers – Utah Jazz series. All three prop bets were plus odds, and if you parlayed, you cashed in at +1400 instead of standard +600 on a 3-team or prop parlay at -110 odds.

We also went 3-0 on player props in the Nets – Bucks Game 1. Two were under James Harden props with one at a big plus price and alternate points prop.

I’ve added some samples of quick-hitting prop bet analysis, and you can check out more at the Duel Sports, by FanDuel.

Second Round Games

Bucks vs Nets Props

Game 1 – Nets vs Bucks, 3-0

James Harden – Under 27.5 Points (-116)

So far in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks have the best net rating and defensive rating of all teams. Game 1 is expected to be fast-paced with tons of scoring as the total is rising to 240 on FanDuel Sportsbook. Kevin Durant’s points total is up to 30.5 while James Harden is 27.5, and it would seem like an easy choice to bet over for more scoring. Harden only eclipsed this scoring total in two of five games against the Celtics while racking up double-digit assists in the last three games. His scoring was aided by better than 50% shooting from beyond the arc in three games. We’ll call for less scoring than projected by Harden in Game 1 against a better Bucks defense that also allows fewer second chance scoring opportunities with stronger defensive rebounding.

James Harden – Alternate Points Under 21.5 (+320)

Let’s stick with James Harden and shoot for a bigger price on his alternate points prop. Milwaukee’s versatility, rotations and defensive ability will be key in trying to slow Brooklyn’s Big 3. Harden scored 20, 21 and 23 points in three opening round games against Boston with two of those at home. He can clearly score when asked to do so, but if he’s not hitting from long range, this could reward bettors with a bigger payoff.

Khris Middleton – Over 6.5 Rebounds (+112)

Khris Middleton was a key performer in two home wins over the Nets this season. He averaged 24.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in three games against Brooklyn. Now on the road for Game 1, Middleton can emerge as a key contributor against a Nets defense that had a poor rating in their opening series against the Boston. In fact, Brooklyn had the worst defensive rebounding percentage of all the teams in the first round of the playoffs. Although the Nets defense performed better at home, the Bucks offensive efficiency is far better with Giannis Antetokounmpo getting a majority of the attention. That allows Middleton more opportunities. But instead of playing Middleton’s points (22.5) or assists (4.5) props, we’ll attack the glass.

Game 4 – Bucks vs Nets, 2-1

Kevin Durant – Points + Rebounds Under 41.5 (-104)

James Harden (hamstring) remains out for the Nets, and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have been the key players and scorers. Durant scored 30 points with 11 rebounds (all defensive) in the Bucks 86-83 low-scoring, grinding Game 3 win. Durant played a playoff-high 43 minutes in defeat, and it’s going to be tough for him to play at peak performance again, especially on the road against the Bucks top-level defense and pressure. Remember, Durant has had injury issues, and that knocked Harden out of Game 1.

 Brook Lopez Alternate Rebounds – Over 8.5 (+290)

Shooting was poor in Game 3 with both teams hitting below 40% from the field. The Bucks ability to clean the glass and assert their will near the rack is key for another win. Middleton and Giannis had double-doubles in Game 3, but Bucks center Brook Lopez asserted himself with 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. He can also score and stretch the floor, and the 13-year veteran and former first-round pick of the Nets is still one of the more underrated interior defenders in the NBA. As his minutes on the floor rise, the 7-footer can be a factor again on the boards. Rather than play over his 6.5 rebounds prop, we’ll go for the kill at three times the odds.

I chip-in content and more information you can bet on for FanDuel and affiliate sites like the Dual Sports, numberFire and FanDuel Sportsbook, which offers dozens of props on games and “More Way To Win.” Check out more second round games, prop bets and analysis.

Clippers vs Jazz Prop Bets

Game 2 – Clippers vs Jazz, 3-0

Kawhi Leonard – Alternate Points: Under 23.5 (+225)

Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points in Game 1 while playing around 5 minutes less than his previous three playoff games. Leonard and the Clippers are up against a top-three defensive efficiency team in the Jazz, and this year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert. Rather than play under Leonard’s points prop of 27.5, take a shot under the alternate 23.5 points at better than 2/1 odds.

Nicolas Batum – Rebounds: Under 4.5 (+120)

Nicolas Batum was no match for Rudy Gobert in Game 1. Batum played a playoff-low 21 minutes and produced 6 points and 4 rebounds. Clippers backup center Ivica Zubac played a playoff-high 20 minutes and scored 11 points with 6 rebounds. Batum may be back to his backup role with less minutes again if he can’t be more of a factor.

Winner Double: Donovan Mitchell 25+ Points/Utah to Win (+110)

Donovan Mitchell is scoring nearly 32 points per game in the playoffs. The Jazz have the best home record in the NBA, and a better option on the bench with coaching and adjustments. Mitchell went off for a playoff-high 45 points in Game 1 against the Clippers. Rather than play over his 30.5 points prop, bet Mitchell to score 25 or more points in another Jazz win at plus odds.

Game 3 – Jazz vs Clippers, 2-1

Reggie Jackson Made Threes – Over 2.5 (-111)

Guard Reggie Jackson poured in 29 points in Game 2, and the Clippers got more wide-open looks with downhill dribbling and kicking the ball out to more open shooters. Jackson knocked down 4-of-8 three pointers in Game 2, and he’s made at least three 3-pointers in the Clippers last seven playoff games. He’ll take plenty more long-range jumpers in Game 3, and this looks like a 3-point layup.

Donovan Mitchell – Under 30.5 Points (+100)

The Clippers found something they liked that worked defensively in a changes of strategy in the third quarter of Game 2. The rotations of blitzing a second defender at top scorer Donovan Mitchell and switching to a zone defense helped the Clippers rally from a 21-point deficit and slow Mitchell’s scoring. He still poured in 37 points, but was limited in the second half. He also scored 45 points in Game 1, but failed to score 31 points or more in Utah’s first four playoff games. Mitchell will be pressured and forced to give up the ball a bit more. Under the points total is the play, and money is showing for more assists by Mitchell.

Hawks vs 76ers Player Props

Game 1 – 76ers vs Hawk, 1-1

Page updated as props posted and available.