SportsLine's model and experts have identified three standout NBA player prop bets for the 2026 NBA Playoffs games on Friday, May 1. Recommendations include overs for Deandre Ayton, Ausar Thompson, and Collin Murray-Boyles. The picks target key matchups like Lakers at Rockets and Pistons at Magic.
The Los Angeles Lakers face the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on the road, with center Deandre Ayton emerging as a focal point. Ayton posted 18 points and 17 rebounds in Game 5 despite the loss, achieving double-doubles in the past two defeats. His points over/under sits at 11.5, but the SportsLine Projection Model forecasts 15.3 points, marking it as a top prop bet, according to the model's simulations run 10,000 times per game. Ayton has scored 18 or more points in three of five meetings against Houston this series. SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein backs Pistons guard Ausar Thompson over 7.5 rebounds against the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. ET. Hartstein noted, “Pistons all-world defender Ausar Thompson has played 32 or more minutes in three straight games and is coming off an incredible all-around performance: 15 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks.” Thompson grabbed eight or more rebounds in his last four games versus Orlando, averaging 7.6 in the series, with teammate Tobias Harris questionable due to an ankle issue. Expert Mike Barner recommends Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles over 18.5 points plus rebounds. Barner said, “Collin Murray-Boyles didn't do much in the first half of Game 5, but still finished with eight points and five rebounds over 25 minutes. For the series, he is averaging 15.2 points and 6.8 rebounds.” With Immanuel Quickley out and Brandon Ingram questionable, Murray-Boyles figures for increased minutes and shots. The model boasts a 25-9 record on top-rated NBA spread picks entering the playoffs' second week.
