Before making any prop bets or NBA picks on the last day of the regular season, study the NBA standings. Be sure the team has something to play for. Only a handful do — the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets, and seeds No. 5 through 10 in the Eastern Conference.
Even some of those teams — looking at you, Denver — are choosing to rest more than compete on Sunday, April 12.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Tyrese Maxey |
Under 2.5 threes | +135 |
 Kawhi Leonard |
Under 26.5 points | -115 |
 Luke Kennard |
Over 5.5 assists | -125 |
Prop #1: Tyrese Maxey Under 2.5 threes
The Philadelphia 76ers could still evade the Play-In Tournament. Most likely, the 76ers will end up the No. 8 seed out East, but it is conceivable they host the first Play-In game, needing the Magic to lose to the Celtics today. Do not hold your breath on that; Orlando is favored by 12 points. But stranger things have happened.
That combination of possible but unlikely yields value in doubting Tyrese Maxey to hit three 3-pointers. The sportsbook is presenting the option on the board because Philadelphia should play a full and honest rotation. Players on any teams without that likelihood are effectively not prop options today.
But if the Magic are up handily on the Celtics late, the 76ers may pull their starters earlier than the game would otherwise suggest.
And it is not like Maxey has been shooting well of late, hitting just 11-of-37 (29.7%) from beyond the arc in his last six games.
- Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin or NBC Sports Philadelphia
Prop #2: Kawhi Leonard Under 26.5 points
The writing is on the wall for the Los Angeles Clippers. They need to beat the Warriors, as 6-point favorites, while the Blazers lose to the Kings for Los Angeles to climb back into the No. 8 seed.
First of all, Portland is favored by 16.5 points.
Secondly, LA’s swoon in the last week that knocked it into the No. 9 seed also means it would face Golden State in a single-elimination game this week.
Which is all to say, do not expect the Clippers to play long minutes. They know their fate. And do not expect them to show the Warriors anything of note.
Kawhi Leonard has already fallen short of this prop in each of his last two games and in six of his last seven. Any reduction in his minutes or aggression should assure it tonight.
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network SoCal or NBC Sports Bay Area
Prop #3: Luke Kennard Over 5.5 assists
Point guard Luke Kennard may be a Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff reality. With both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss at least the start of the first round, Kennard’s starting streak should extend into the postseason.
It may not be Los Angeles’s design or preference, but Kennard is at least filling the role, clearing this prop in three of his four games as a starter this month and averaging 7.75 assists per game. Perhaps even more impressively, Kennard has committed a total of only five turnovers in those four games.
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Spectrum Sports Network or Jazz+
These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature and all of bet365's offerings with our comprehensive bet365 review!
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
