The conference semifinals in this year's NBA playoffs have been significantly more interesting than the opening round (as it usually is). Of the 4 series, 3 are tied 2-2 and only Boston vs Indiana is sitting at 3-1. Tonight we go back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where Tyrese Haliburton is currently listed as questionable with back spasms. In the West, Denver picked up both games in M innesota to even the series and heads back home in hopes of taking its first lead of the series.
Let's dive into the props.'
Precious Achiuwa, NYK, Over 13.5 points + rebounds (+104)
This is strictly a numbers play: Achiuwa was inserted in the starting lineup the last 2 games and has seen 20+ minutes in 3 straight. He is averaging 0.5 PR per minute of play. In Game 4 he played 24 minutes and sat the entire fourth quarter due to a blowout. I believe he plays 30+min tonight, as the Knicks truly don’t have anyone else to play in the frontcourt. Miles McBride and Alec Burks will be the only 2 bench guys, but Achiuwa is needed for Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner.