The 2026 NBA Playoffs are heating up, and Tuesday, May 5, brings two exciting new series that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. First, the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. ET, followed by a marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:30 p.m. With superstars like LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, and Cade Cunningham headlining the action, finding the right NBA prop bets is key to making the most of tonight's games. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking to add some extra excitement to the playoffs, identifying value is everything.
LeBron James continues to defy expectations, especially after a dominant first-round series against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers' leader averaged an impressive 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game, proving he's still the engine driving Los Angeles. For Game 1 against the Thunder, his over/under for total points is set at 20.5, and the SportsLine Projection Model predicts he'll exceed that mark, projecting 21.8 points. If you're looking for a reliable bet on a player who always steps up in big moments, this could be one of the top NBA prop picks for Tuesday.
Another player to watch is Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, who could see increased minutes with Jalen Williams (hamstring) officially ruled out for Game 1. Dort's over/under for combined points and rebounds is 10.5, and with more responsibility on his shoulders, he's in a strong position to deliver. The SportsLine model has a proven track record of success, simulating every NBA game 10,000 times and generating over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. Entering the second round, the model is on a sizzling 26-9 roll (74%) on top-rated spread picks this season.
Not every superstar has shined so far this postseason. James Harden, for example, has been underwhelming, a recurring theme in his playoff career. However, SportsLine expert Doug Kralstein sees an opportunity. "This is simply too low of a line for Harden, who averaged just shy of 37 PRA in the regular season," Kralstein notes. "He's playing heavy minutes, and this number is much closer to his floor than his ceiling, even in a tough matchup." If you're betting on Tuesday's games, keep an eye on Harden to bounce back.
From LeBron's consistent brilliance to potential breakout performances from players like Dort and Harden, Tuesday's playoff action is packed with opportunities. Whether you're following the model's predictions or your own instincts, these NBA prop bets could make the games even more thrilling. Gear up for the playoffs with the right picks, and may the best bets win.