Minnesota @ Los Angeles picks

“Playoff LeBron” has been more of a facilitator in his older years, with his assists average above eight helpers per game in the playoffs going back to the 2015 postseason in Cleveland. Last year, his playoff appearances were limited to just five games, in which James dished out 8.8 assists an outing from 14.0 potential assists in those matchups with the Denver Nuggets. Down the home stretch, James showed his flare for playmaking and recorded seven or more assists in 11 of his final 16 games. He boasted an average of 11.6 potential assists in those contests. Player projections for Saturday’s Game 1 in La-La Land have James’ assist total ranging from 7.0 and 7.6, with my number at 7.4 dimes. That should have the Over 6.5 assists around -145 for LeBron.