Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game May 18, 2026
SA
@
OKC
Mon, May 18 • 8:30 PM ET
Isaiah Hartenstein o18.5 Total Points, Rebounds, and Assists (-120)
The Spurs, and Victor Wembanyama in particular, limited Chet Holmgren in the regular season. Holmgren’s 16.5 Usage Rate and 10.5 points per game against the Spurs were his lowest marks against any team. Conversely, Isaiah Hartenstein’s 19.7 Usage Rate against the Spurs was his fourth-best mark.
Victor Wembanyama’s defensive attention will likely remain focused on his rival, Holmgren, who can stretch the floor. Hartenstein, as a result, should see less of Wemby, allowing him to stay productive in the paint.
Hartenstein has gone for 19+ PRA in five straight games and six of his last seven.
Devin Vassell o2.5 3-Pointers Made (+150)
Devin Vassell is only shooting 32.3% from beyond the arc this postseason, but his career 37.2% mark from deep means that there is room for positive regression in the Western Conference Finals.
Vassell can enjoy improved efficiency against a Thunder team that’s allowed the seventh-most efficient three-point shooting (36%) and fifth-most made three-pointers (12). The volume is there for Vassell, whose 65 triples are 10th-most in the playoffs. If he can improve his shooting percentage in this favorable matchup, Vassell can reach three triples and cash this plus-money prop.
CLE
@
NY
Tue, May 19 • 8:00 PM ET
Jalen Brunson o2.5 3-Pointers Made (+100)
Jalen Brunson has knocked down 40.9% of his 66 three-point attempts, good for fourth-best among players with at least 60 three-point shots in the playoffs. He’s shooting a torrid 46.7% at home, over 10 percent better than the road. Brunson has hit 3+ treys in seven of 10 playoff games, including four of five at home.
Opponents have found success against Cleveland from downtown, especially in the semifinals. Detroit shot just 35.6% from three in the regular season and 32.7% in the first round before Cleveland allowed them to hit 39% in their seven-game series.
Over its seven-game win streak, the Knicks rank first in Offensive Rating (130.5) and second in Defensive Rating (103). New York’s 27.5 Net Rating is nearly 11 points higher than second-place San Antonio (16.7).
Donovan Mitchell’s assists dropped from 5.7 in the regular season to just 2.9 in the playoffs, but his playmaking has translated to wins. In 63 total games with at least four assists, Mitchell and Cleveland went 44-19 straight up, including 4-0 in the playoffs
If Cleveland wants to stay competitive in Game 1, Mitchell will need to get his teammates involved.
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