The 2026 NBA Playoffs are heating up, and Thursday night's Game 2 action is packed with opportunities for savvy bettors. After a dramatic opening round, the second round is already delivering surprises, and our data-driven analysis is here to help you spot the best player prop bets for May 7.
Let's start with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who stumbled out of the gate in Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. Despite a double-digit loss, star guard Donovan Mitchell still managed 23 points on efficient 9-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-10 from deep. However, his playmaking was notably absent—he finished with just two assists. That's a sharp drop for a player who averaged 5.7 assists per game during the regular season. For Game 2, the over/under on Mitchell's assists is set at 3.5. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, Mitchell is projected to bounce back with 4.8 assists on average. If you're looking for a prop that combines star power with a strong statistical rebound, this is a compelling play.
Out West, the Lakers vs. Thunder series is shaping up to be a battle of big men. In Game 1, Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren was a force on the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds against Los Angeles. The Thunder center's over/under for total rebounds in Game 2 is 8.5, and SportsLine NBA expert Larry Hartstein is backing him to clear that mark. Holmgren's length and activity on both ends make him a consistent rebounding threat, especially against a Lakers team that can be vulnerable on the glass. With the model's track record—returning well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on top-rated picks over the past eight seasons—this is a bet worth considering.
Another intriguing prop involves Detroit's Tobias Harris, who has been on a tear. Harris dropped 20 points in 39 minutes during Game 1, marking his sixth straight playoff game with at least 20 points. He's averaging 36 minutes and 16.9 shot attempts per night in the postseason, a clear sign of increased usage. As SportsLine's Mike Barner notes, that volume is crucial for a player who is generally efficient. With the Pistons looking to take a 2-0 series lead, expect Harris to remain a focal point of the offense.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just getting into NBA props, these picks are backed by a model that has gone 26-9 (74%) on top-rated spread picks this season. As the playoffs intensify, staying ahead of the trends is key—and these player props offer a smart way to get in on the action.