NBA Playoffs Monday: 3 Player Props and Predictions for April 21

Round One of the NBA Playoffs is underway, and from the looks of it, the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets series might go down in history.

After a two-point overtime victory, the Nuggets look to defend home court once more against James Harden and the Clippers, who are actually the favorites in tonight’s game.

The Pistons were just one consistent quarter away from stealing Game 1 in the Garden. Expect Josh Hart to come out hot tonight for New York and secure a 2-0 series lead heading to Detroit. 

C Nikola Jokic (DEN) UNDER 27.5 Points

Surprisingly, we are taking The Joker’s under tonight against the Clippers in what is turning out to be a heavyweight battle between two of the deepest teams in the league. Jokic dropped 29 points in 46 minutes of play in Saturday’s game.

With that being said, his minute total should drop tonight as well as his production from the paint area, where Zubac has played him extremely well this season.

Now in four games against L.A., Nikola has dropped under 30 points three times. Ty Lue’s adjustments will come through tonight and force anyone else to beat them outside of the multi-time MVP.

G James Harden (LAC) OVER 2.5 3PM

The Clips were one or two possessions away from stealing Game 1 of this series. From what I saw, James Harden is playing like his vintage self on the offensive end.

He dropped 32 points and 11 assists with 4 threes, with Jamal Murray and Christian Braun truly unable to stop his magic from all three levels. Harden has hit this mark in four of his last five games, and with a 1-1 series on the line for L.A., the ball will be in his hands early on in this one.

Braun, Westbrook, and Murray won’t be able to stop his mid-range activity, which should allow for another 30-bomb for The Beard.

F Josh Hart (NYK) OVER 3.5 1Q Points

After the Knicks stumbled in the first half of their game against Detroit two nights ago, expect Josh Hart to set the tone on both ends of the floor.

Josh played just 4 minutes in Q1 of Saturday night’s win due to foul trouble. When he’s not in foul trouble early on, this 3.5 point Q1 line is one he hits more often than not.

He’s hit this in three of the last five regular-season games he played in. With this game due to get physical from the start, Hart will thrive on the offensive end and get some early looks to open Game 2.