The 2026 NBA Playoffs heat up on Tuesday, May 5, with two exciting matchups: Cavaliers vs. Pistons at 7 p.m. ET and Lakers vs. Thunder at 8:30 p.m. ET. Key players like James Harden, LeBron James, Luguentz Dort, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander become focal points for prop bets as fans seek value in their wagers.

LeBron James has been a standout performer for the Lakers, averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in the first round against the Rockets. His over/under for Game 1 against the Thunder is set at 20.5 points, with the SportsLine Projection Model predicting he will exceed this, finishing with 21.8 points.

Luguentz Dort of the Thunder also garners attention, especially with Jalen Williams ruled out due to a hamstring injury. His over/under for points + rebounds is 10.5, and the model forecasts he will tally around 12.9 points + rebounds.

Top NBA player prop picks for Tuesday include:

• James Harden, Cavaliers: Over 30.5 points + rebounds + assists
• LeBron James, Lakers: Over 20.5 points
• Luguentz Dort, Thunder: Over 10.5 points + rebounds

Doug Kralstein, a SportsLine expert, notes Harden's performance has been subpar in the postseason, yet he emphasizes that the line for Harden is too low given his regular-season average of nearly 37 PRA.

As the playoffs progress, the SportsLine Projection Model continues to impress, boasting a 26-9 record (74%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season, offering valuable insights for bettors looking to maximize their returns.