The Celtics will have to adjust their offense on Wednesday as Jayson Tatum will be out with an Achilles injury. This absence could open up more scoring opportunities for players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday. Tatum’s absence will impact the odds on betting apps, but could there be value in using any of these Celtics in Wednesday NBA player props with Tatum sidelined and the Celtics (-4.5, 207.5) facing a crucial Game 5 against the Knicks at 7 p.m. ET?
On the other hand, the Minnesota Timberwolves will try to close out their series at home against the Golden State Warriors (+10.5, 203.5) at 9:30 p.m. ET. Anthony Edwards is coming off two consecutive 30-point performances, and his total points over/under is set at 27.5 for Wednesday NBA props.
The SportsLine Projection Model runs simulations for every NBA game and has been successful in providing top-rated NBA picks. Data Scientist Stephen Oh (@StephenOhCBS) analyzed the simulations and identified the player props with the best value for today’s slate. The NBA odds may change, so it’s recommended to act promptly for maximum value.
Mikal Bridges Over 14.5 points (-110)
Despite initial doubts from Knicks fans, Bridges has proven his worth this postseason with impressive performances. He scored 23 points in Game 4 and is averaging 16.3 ppg over his last three games in this series. Bridges has been particularly effective in the fourth quarter, with 54 points on 59% shooting. The model projects Bridges to score 16.1 points on Wednesday, and Tatum’s absence is expected to benefit him. DraftKings is offering this at -110 odds.
“While he may not have been directly impacted by Tatum, his absence creates opportunities for Bridges as the Knicks won’t have to focus on defending Tatum,” Oh explained. “This should give Bridges more energy for the offensive end.”
Julius Randle Over 7.5 rebounds (+120)
Although Randle had only five rebounds in Game 4, he previously grabbed 10 rebounds and averaged 7.1 rebounds per game this season. He has elevated his performance in the postseason, averaging 24.3 points per game in this series compared to 18.7 ppg in the regular season. Randle has played over 40 minutes in the last two games and will be motivated to secure rebounds as the Timberwolves aim to close out the series at home. The model projects Randle to grab 8.3 rebounds on Wednesday. Randle has surpassed his rebound total in seven of his last 10 games when favored and facing a top 10 defense. With the odds at +120, this is considered a value play. Caesars Sportsbook is offering this at +120 odds.
Brandin Podziemski Over 1.5 made 3-pointers (-112)
Despite Podziemski’s struggles from beyond the arc in this series, he averaged 1.8 made 3-pointers during the season while playing alongside a healthy Curry. Podziemski has attempted at least four 3-pointers in each game of this series and is averaging 36 minutes in the last two games. After shooting 37.2% from 3-point range during the season, Oh sees potential for a rebound in his shooting performance. FanDuel is offering this at -112 odds.
“Expect a bounceback game from Podziemski with less pressure to perform,” Oh stated. “With Butler struggling and facing tough defenders, Podziemski should have more opportunities for field goal attempts.”
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