The NBA Playoffs are heating up, and Thursday's Game 2 matchups are packed with star power and pivotal adjustments. Whether you're tracking player performances or just love the drama of postseason basketball, these prop bets offer a deeper look at the action on the court.
After a slow start in Game 1, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons. Guard Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 23 points, but his playmaking took a backseat—he finished with just two assists in the double-digit loss. That's a far cry from his regular-season average of 5.7 assists per game. For Game 2, the over/under on Mitchell's total assists is set at 3.5. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, Mitchell is projected to dish out 4.8 assists on average. That makes the over a compelling pick for anyone eyeing player props on Thursday.
Out West, the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder are locked in a battle of young talent and veteran savvy. In Game 1, Thunder center Chet Holmgren was a force on the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds. His over/under for total rebounds in Game 2 is 8.5, and SportsLine NBA expert Larry Hartstein is backing Holmgren to stay active on the boards. With his length and energy, Holmgren has become a key factor in Oklahoma City's playoff push.
The model behind these picks has a proven track record, returning well 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 of the 2026 playoffs, it's on a sizzling 26-9 roll (74%) on top-rated spread picks. That kind of consistency is hard to ignore when you're building your betting strategy.
For Mitchell, the key will be balancing his scoring with playmaking. He knocked down 9-of-19 field goals and 4-of-10 from deep in Game 1, but his assist numbers were unusually low. The model projects a bounce-back performance, with 4.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, Pistons forward Tobias Harris is also worth watching. He scored 20 points in 39 minutes during Game 1, marking his sixth straight game with at least 20 points. In the playoffs, he's averaging 36 minutes and 16.9 shot attempts per night—a usage rate that makes him a reliable option for scoring props.
As the playoffs intensify, these player props offer a fun way to follow the action and spot value. Whether you're a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, Thursday's games promise plenty of highlights and surprises.