Context:

Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs has been notably unpredictable, with road teams winning all five games, including several dramatic comebacks. Jalen Williams, despite a strong season, struggled in Game 1 against Denver, but there is confidence he will rebound as he typically scores well after lower performances. Russell Westbrook has been consistently scoring above expectations during the playoffs, making him a vital player for Denver due to their lack of depth. Mikal Bridges demonstrated his defensive prowess in Game 1 against the Celtics, contributing significantly despite scoring only eight points, and is expected to continue his defensive contributions. These player performances are highlighted as strong betting opportunities for upcoming games, with specific prop bets suggested for each player's anticipated impact.

Dive Deeper:

• The NBA Playoffs have seen unexpected results with the road team winning all five games in Round 2, and several games featuring significant comebacks or collapses.

• Jalen Williams, who has been a consistent performer for the Thunder, struggled in Game 1 against the Nuggets, scoring only 16 points on poor shooting. However, historically he bounces back strongly after scoring in the teens.

• Russell Westbrook has been essential for Denver during the playoffs, consistently scoring over 14 points save for one game. His scoring is crucial due to Denver's thin bench, and his shooting percentages this postseason are impressive.

• Mikal Bridges, despite scoring just eight points in Game 1 against the Celtics, was vital defensively with three steals and two blocks, effectively challenging key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

• Betting strategies are discussed with prop bets focused on player performances, with particular attention to Williams' scoring potential, Westbrook's consistent contributions, and Bridges' defensive impact.

• The analysis suggests betting on Jalen Williams to exceed 22.5 points, Russell Westbrook to score over 12.5 points, and Mikal Bridges to achieve more than 0.5 blocks in their respective upcoming games.

• The article is crafted by Alex Payton, an experienced betting content producer, who provides insights into strategic betting opportunities during the NBA Playoffs.

• Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs is upside down. Five games in, and the road team has won all five games, with four of them consisting of some of the biggest comebacks/collapses we’ve seen in recent memory.

• We will not let it throw us off our game, which is finding you the three best wagers of the night.

• We’ve checked the two games in Boston and OKC on Wednesday, and are sharing our favorite NBA player props.   Check out our free NBA picks below.

• NBA Player Prop Picks for May 7

  Jalen Williams Over 22.5 points vs Nuggets (-120 at Bet365)

  It’s been such a great ride all season for Jalen Williams, riding shotgun alongside the MVP-caliber season of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But then Game 1 vs Denver happened.

• Williams was quietly the most consistent Thunder player in a sweep of Memphis, averaging 23.3 points on 54.2% shooting, while adding 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

• But he was just 5-for-20 against Denver for 16 points in their stunning 121-119 loss.

• Williams has now gone sub-20 points in three straight games against Denver.

• I’m betting on the bounce back, though, as he’s never gone four straight games under 20 points vs the Nuggets in his career.

• Also, the last four times Williams has scored in the teens this season, he’s averaged 24 points in his next start.

• Russell Westbrook Over 12.5 points vs Thunder (-110 at Bet365)

  The books continue to hang this in front of us, and we continue to cash in. Last time out, Russ went for 18 points on a nice 7-for-13 shooting in Denver’s wild come-from-behind win.

• He’s now scored at least 14 points in every game these playoffs, save for Game 3 vs the Clippers in Round 1, when he left after nine minutes with a foot injury.

• Denver is dangerously thin in its reserves, which is why Westbrook is so vital.

• His irrational confidence and ability to create offense are so needed that when he’s hitting at a great rate, like he is in this postseason: 45% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range, it’s a real jolt for the Nuggets.

• Until this line climbs to at least 14 points, I’m going to keep riding this train.

• Mikal Bridges Over 0.5 blocks vs Celtics (-150 at Bet365)

  Mikal Bridges might have been the most important player in Game 1 between the Knicks and Celtics, and he only scored eight points.

• That’s because Bridges was a defensive menace, giving Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fits all game, ending the overtime with a rip on Brown at the buzzer.

• He finished the game with three steals and two blocks.

• For the playoffs, Bridges has recorded at least a block in six of seven games.

• He has a very makeable 0.5 block line Wednesday night, and if he continues to defend like he did in the opener, Bridges should be able to send at least one shot away in a critical Game 2.