Top NBA Player Props for May 9: Gilgeous-Alexander and Harden Lead the Charge

Top NBA Player Props for May 9: Gilgeous-Alexander and Harden Lead the Charge

The Oklahoma City Thunder have surged to a 2-0 series lead against the Los Angeles Lakers, with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcasing impressive shooting skills. Currently, he boasts a 53.6% field goal percentage against the Lakers, making him a prime candidate for NBA prop bets this Saturday. Having ranked second in the league with 31.1 points per game during the regular season, his over/under for Game 3 is set at 29.5 points. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts he will surpass this mark, forecasting an impressive 32 points for Gilgeous-Alexander. Doug Kralstein, an NBA expert at SportsLine, also highlights James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers as a key player, particularly for rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. Harden has accumulated 14 rebounds in the first two games of the series, with his over/under for Game 3 listed at 5.5 rebounds. Kralstein notes that Harden has consistently grabbed at least six boards in his last five games, making this prop bet appealing for Saturday. Top NBA Player Prop Picks for Saturday: James Harden, Cavaliers: Over 5.5 rebounds Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: Over 29.5 points Deandre Ayton, Lakers: Over 8.5 points Deandre Ayton of the Lakers, despite a quiet performance in Game 2 with only three points, is expected to bounce back. The model projects him to score an average of 11.4 points, surpassing the set line of 8.5 points. His ability to rebound creates opportunities for second-chance points, crucial for his offensive contribution.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-09