Peter's picks: today's top NBA bets including predictions and prop bets for cade cunningham, nikola jokic, and jamal murray

2 May 2025 2 May 2025

With the NBA playoffs heating up, Thursday's Game 6 matchups have the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks fighting to avoid a nerve-wracking Game 7. Both teams face the challenge of winning on the road after New York stumbled at home against Detroit in Game 5, and Denver impressed with a commanding win over the Los Angeles Clippers despite struggling earlier in the series. Oddsmakers have surprisingly listed both as underdogs for Thursday’s games, making the arena ripe for some savvy player prop bets rather than side bets. From Cade Cunningham’s relentless rebounding to Nikola Jokic’s assist wizardry and Jamal Murray’s scoring surge, this slate is packed with compelling betting opportunities.

Top NBA Player Prop Bets for May 1 Featuring Cade Cunningham, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray

Instead of backing the underdog teams outright, this NBA betting guide zooms in on individual performances that could deliver consistent returns. These props are not just wagers; they’re bets crafted from deep dives into player stats and playoff trends. Here’s what you need to know for Thursday’s high-stakes games:

Cade Cunningham’s Rebounding Edge for the Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham has emerged as a powerhouse on the boards for Detroit, a crucial asset as the Pistons fight to stay alive. His vigorous minutes and aggressive rebounding have been pivotal, particularly in this series where he’s consistently snagged seven or more boards in his last four games, including a couple of double-digit efforts. The Pistons rank third in the postseason for rebounding percentage, underscoring their grit under the glass. Against a Knicks team that was solid on the boards in the regular season, Cunningham’s intensity should remain high in this must-win game.

Rebound average: Over 8 per game in the playoffs
Recent performance: Four consecutive games with 7+ rebounds
Importance of role: Increased minutes in critical Game 6
Betting odds: Over 6.5 rebounds at -115 on DraftKings

For bettors seeking to maximize returns, Cunningham's rebounding prop is not just promising; it’s practically begging to cash. Check out resources on player prop bets this NBA season to refine your strategy.

Jamal Murray Poised to Keep the Scoring Fire Burning

Jamal Murray’s explosive 43-point performance in Game 5 was more than just a flash in the pan—it was a statement. Shooting nearly 50% from the field and knocking down eight three-pointers, he has consistently broken the 20-point threshold in four out of five games in this series versus the Clippers. Historically, Murray raises his scoring output in playoff scenarios, holding a playoff average that outshines his regular-season numbers comfortably. His high usage and shot volume further cement his value for Thursday’s showdown.

Game 5 highlights: 43 points, 17-for-26 FG, 8-for-14 three-point shooting
Series trend: Four games of 21+ points
Playoff vs regular-season average: 24.2 PPG in playoffs vs 18 PPG regular season
Betting odds: Over 20.5 points at -110

With guys like Murray lighting it up, platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet remain the go-to sportsbooks for these prop bets.

Nikola Jokic’s Assist Masterclass Continues

Nikola Jokic’s playmaking in this series has been nothing short of phenomenal. Tasked with orchestrating Denver’s offense, Jokic has delivered 10 or more assists in 4 of 5 games, showcasing a level of court vision that keeps defenses guessing. At an average of 20 potential assists per game this postseason, Jokic only needs to convert half of those to surpass the 9.5 assists line. Considering his triple-double caliber play during the regular season and ongoing offensive responsibilities, banking on him to exceed assists is practically a no-brainer.

Assist average: Over 10 in 4 of 5 playoff games vs Clippers
Season average: Triple-double pace in regular season
Potential assists: An astonishing 20 per game in this series
Betting odds: Over 9.5 assists at -125 on BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook

For serious bettors, tools like William Hill and Pinnacle offer powerful markets to capitalize on Jokic’s versatility. It’s a bet that calls for minimal hesitation.

Watching Jamal Murray's scoring runs is a reminder that some players elevate their game when it matters most. His shooting and court aggressiveness are critical to Denver’s title aspirations.

Why Fading the Underdog Teams in These Game 6 Showdowns Makes Sense

Both the Nuggets and Knicks are underdogs on the road, a curious move by oddsmakers given their higher seeding and solid playoff experience. However, casting a blanket bet on either team neglects the nuances of these matchups. Denver overcame adversity with a commanding offense in Game 5, largely sparked by Murray’s scoring explosion and Jokic’s distribution. Conversely, New York’s blown Game 5 at home shows vulnerability.

Denver Nuggets: Dominant in Game 5 but overmatched early in series
New York Knicks: Lead series 3-2 but failed to close at home
Odds: Both squads underdogs on road in Game 6
Betting take: Avoid side bets; focus on player props

For bettors aiming to sharpen their edge, understanding how odds move and how player prop lines are set is crucial. Visit this guide on reading NBA odds to get a leg up before placing your wagers. Platforms like Barstool Sportsbook, Bovada, and SugarHouse are also worth monitoring for live prop updates.