(5/15) NBA | Best Player Props in the Association
Written by: Varun Sharma
Last Update: Fri May 15, 2026, 4:28 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nba
The second round of the NBA Playoffs is coming to an end, with both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons fighting for their postseason lives.
We've got a ton to discuss, so let's jump right into it.
If you're looking for more on tonight's games, our very own Danny Burke was kind enough his best bets for tonight a little early.
Road Dogs
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally did it, they won a game on the road. Game 5 was tough. The Pistons' biggest lead was 15 points, we saw 11 lead changes, double digit runs by both teams and we needed overtime to finally get a winner.
James Harden lead the way for Cleveland, recording 30 points for the first time this postseason but shot just 38% from the field in the process. Harden 14 free throws in Game 5 and it's been the biggest story of the last two games.
Cleveland shot 38 free throws to Detroit's 20. If you look as the last two games, the Cavaliers have taken a total of 72 free throws; while Detroit's taken just 32. The Pistons have lost both games by single digits.
Cade Cunningham's been fantastic in the postseason. He currently leads all postseason players in points per game (30.0) and he's stuffing the stat sheet with 7.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. He's been Detroit's best player by a wide margin, the complete opposite of Jalen Duren.
In Game 5, Duren scored 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and rode the bench for the entire fourth quarter and overtime. The problem is Duren isn't just struggling to shoot the ball, he's not rebounding and he's been a liability on defense.
Duren's got a -5.0 net rating so far in the playoffs and the team's defensive rating is what really stands out. With Duren on the floor, the team's giving up 115.7 points per 100 possessions, whereas without Duren; the number drops to 100.8.
It's win or go home for the Pistons tonight. It's win and move on for the Cavaliers. Who takes care of business tonight?
The Alien vs. The Young Bull
The San Antonio Spurs are the other team in the driver's seat tonight. Win and you move onto the Conference Final in Wemby's third season. The San Antonio Spurs had a top five pick in the last three NBA Drafts, because of how bad they were. That same team is now one win from the Western Conference Finals.
What's standing in their way? Anthony Edwards, the young bull. Antman just finished his sixth year in the NBA, he's made the postseason in five of the six seasons and he's made the Conference Finals in back to back years.
Both players have been amazing in this series and Edwards is back to playing a full compliment of minutes. He's averaging 28.6 points per game in his last three games and he's shot the ball over 50% from the field.
As for Victor, he's averaging 20.4 points per game in his first postseason, additionally adding 11.2 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per game. In games Victor isn't ejected or injured, he's averaging 25 points, 13.3 rebounds and 5.3 blocks per game.
Vic's been elite, he just needs to stay on the floor and keep those shoulders tucked in tight.
Today's Best Bets
Anthony Edwards o26.5 Points (-106) | Lucky Rebel
Back against the wall, give me Antman. Edwards played 40 minutes in a blowout loss the other night and tonight with their season on the line, I'd be surprised if plays short of 44 tonight. Like I said, he's averaging 28.6 points per game over the team's last three games and in both home games; cleared the 30 point mark.
Edwards has played in 51 playoff games in his career, he's played against some of the best and he always shows up. Two years ago, down 3-2 to the defending champions; Edwards came out and scored 27 points in a blowout win and did it on shooting splits of 48/44/88.
Lastly, Edwards has played in eight elimination games in his career. In these eight games, Antman's averaging 26.5 points and he's taking 22.5 shot attempts per game. That's the kind of volume I adore and just can't ignore.
Cade Cunningham o41.5 PRA (-108) | Lucky Rebel
Chalk, thats the theme for today. Cade's been so good for the Pistons and tonight with their season on the line; I'm going right back to the young PG. He's averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game in this series. The Cavaliers have had no answer for Cade and tonight, on the road; they'll need him more than ever.
The Pistons are averaging less than 100 points per game on the road and their supporting cast has been the problem. The Pistons bench is shooting below 40% from the field, Jalen Duren is shooting below 50% as a center and outside of Cade; scoring has been tough.
Last year, Game 6 against the Knicks. Cade shot 40% from the field, went 0/8 from three and the Pistons lost by just three points. Tonight Cade has another chance to step up and this time I think he responds.
Looking for More
More NBA News
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Knicks vs. Spurs: Game 5
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 4
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals MVP Odds: Race Tightens After Spurs' Game 3 Win
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 3
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn't ask for! Follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.
You may know me as ‘VSaaauce’. I’ve been a die hard hoops fan my entire life. I’ve been betting on the NBA/NCAAB/NFL/MLB for six years now, each year gaining more and more knowledge about being a profitable handicapper. I’m eager to learn, and eager to pass on everything I’ve gained over the last few years. I started my Twitter page four years ago, and this community makes me so thankful I did. Outside of sports and handicapping, I enjoy traveling, hoopin, a strong espresso and I’m currently studying to obtain my MD. I’m all about the vibes, good vibes only. If that sounds like you, follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.