Road to the NBA Finals: NBA Playoff Predictions, Picks for Lakers-Thunder, Cavs-Pistons on Thursday

Will both No. 1 seeds take 2-0 series leads on Thursday night?

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder picked up yet another double-digit win over the Los Angeles Lakers in their series opener, moving to 5-0 against L.A. this season. Now, OKC is favored by 15.5 points at home in Game 2 as it looks to stay undefeated this postseason.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons shut down the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, holding them to just 101 points. Oddsmakers have the Pistons favored again in Game 2, as they’ve won four games in a row and Cleveland has yet to win a road game in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

This postseason, I’m attempting a new challenge here at Sports Illustrated by betting on every game, all the way to the NBA Finals. The “Road to the NBA Finals” has some pretty simple rules:

Bet on every game through the play-in tournament and playoffs
Bet can be a spread, total, moneyline, player prop or game prop
ENJOY POSTSEASON BASKETBALL!

On Thursday, I’m eyeing player props for two former league MVPs that had very different Game 1 showings on Tuesday.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

James Harden UNDER 19.5 Points (-118)

James Harden opened his series with the Pistons by scoring 22 points on 6-of-15 shooting (9-for-9 from the free-throw line), and I’m not buying him to keep that up in Game 2.

The Pistons have a defensive rating of 102.5 in this postseason, and Harden had more turnovers (seven) than made shots in (six) in Game 1. In fact, the Cavs star has made just 49 shots from the field while turning the ball over 43 times in the playoffs this season.

Harden has 20 or more points in four of his eight playoff games, but he’s averaging just 13.8 shots per game and shooting 34.5 percent from 3. So, he’s been pretty dependent on getting to the line for his points.

In fact, he’s attempted nine or more free throws in two of the games where he cleared this line. I’ll fade Harden in Game 2, as his shooting has left a lot to be desired so far this postseason.

LeBron James OVER 20.5 Points (-119)

Earlier today, I shared in my NBA Best Bets column – Peter’s Points – why James is a great prop target in Game 2:

James had a strong showing in Game 1 against the Thunder, scoring 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting (3-of-6 from 3) to lead the Lakers. He’s now scored 25 or more points in five of his seven playoff games, making him an intriguing bet at this number in Game 2.

OKC has a lot of elite defenders, but every few have the size and strength needed to deal with James. The Lakers’ best offense all postseason has been playing through the four-time champion, and he’s averaging 23.7 points on 18.3 shots per game.

With Austin Reaves struggling from the field since returning from an oblique injury, I’d expect James to continue to be an aggressor on offense in Game 2. He’s only faced OKC three times this season, but he’s scored 22 or more points in two of those meetings.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Claim the latest DraftKings promo code offer today. Sign up and get $100 in bonus bets instantly when you make your first $5 bet.

Add us as a preferred source on Google