Avery Perri

Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.

Timberwolves vs. Lakers prop picks Game 5: Bet on Anthony Edwards and Austin Reaves

Timberwolves vs. Lakers picks

The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves meet for a potential series-deciding game on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: After splitting the first two games, Minnesota took care of business at home and now has Los Angeles on the brink of elimination. I’m looking for each team’s shooting guard — Anthony Edwards and Austin Reaves — to produce.

Check out my Timberwolves vs. Lakers prop picks for Game 5 of the opening round.

Timberwolves vs. Lakers prop picks

Best Bet: Edwards over 6.5 rebounds (+104)

Edwards flexed his scoring muscles on Sunday, exploding for 43 points. He also secured nine rebounds, which isn’t as flashy but just as important in a 3-point win.

Playing with hustle is a prerequisite to being a great rebounder, and Edward has that in spades. Take a look at what he’s done over the past two postseasons on the glass:

  • 7.2 rebounds/game
  • 5+ rebounds in 17 of 20 games
  • 7+ rebounds in 12 of 20 games

Every inch of the court should be contested in Game 5, including under the basket.

Standing at 6-foot-4, Edwards isn’t a giant. But neither is anyone getting big minutes for L.A., and Edwards has a superhuman vertical that allows him to literally rise above the competition.

He’s cleared this line in three of four games this series while landing on six rebounds in the outlier.

Key stat: Los Angeles allowed the seventh-most rebounds per game to shooting guards over the last 30 days of the regular season, according to Fantasy Pros.

Embed: #113241

Game 5 prop prediction

Reaves over 28.5 PRA (-118): Reaves has really blossomed into a special player for the Lakers.

The undrafted shooting guard posted career highs in points (20.2), rebounds (4.5) and assists (5.8) this season, with efficient 3-point shooting and stingy defence.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James are the top dogs in L.A., but Reaves is the type of player who can push a team into championship territory.

He’s 1-3 against this line so far, but finished with exactly 28 PRA in Game 4. And he only played 35 minutes after getting into foul trouble.

Back on home court, I’m expecting a tidier game from the playoff-seasoned guard.

I’m also encouraged to see that Reaves’ 3-point volume — and efficiency — went way up on the road.

  • Games 1 & 2: 3-of-14 from deep
  • Games 3 & 4: 10-of-23 from deep

Scoring is the easiest way to rack up counting stats, and I’m banking on Reaves continuing to help in other ways. He’s had 10-plus rebounds and assists in three straight games.

Timberwolves vs. Lakers prop picks made at 4:16 p.m. ET 04/29/2025.

Knicks vs. Pistons SGP predictions Game 5: Bet on Towns and Bridges in +280 wager

Pistons vs. Knicks predictions

The New York Knicks can eliminate the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden tonight.

The pregame narrative: New York went into Motor City with the series tied and exited with a pair of nail-biting wins. I expect the Pistons to keep things close with their season on the line and am backing Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to produce.

Check out my Knicks vs. Pistons playoff SGP predictions for Game 5 on April 29.

Knicks vs. Pistons predictions

Parlay: Pistons +10.5 | Towns 20+ points | Bridges over 6.5 rebounds/assists (+280)

Pistons +10.5 (-275): Call it playoff inexperience or call it bad luck, but the Pistons have to be shell-shocked heading into MSG on the brink of elimination.

Detroit blew an eight-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1 and lost its home games by a combined three points. Game 4 ended controversially, too, after a missed foul at the buzzer would’ve sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to the line with an opportunity to win.

Detroit’s chances of winning this series might be shot, but the reality is, the Pistons have been every bit as good as their opponent through four games.

JB Bickerstaff has instilled a dogged culture in the locker room, and I can’t picture the Knicks securing an easy win on Tuesday.

Detroit has covered this number in six of its last seven games vs. New York.

Embed: #113232

NBA SGP legs

Towns 20+ points (-275): The Knicks have a better chance of winning when Towns is active.

The big man took a combined 25 shots through the first two games of this series, and New York hit the road with a 1-1 split.

He still cleared this line in Game 1, though, thanks to an efficient 10-of-14 shooting performance.

KAT turned up the heat on the road, scoring 31 and 27 points while taking 41 combined shots. He also took 15 three-point attempts in Games 3 and 4 after shooting just five in Games 1 and 2.

Detroit ceded the 12th-most points and fourth-most 3s per game to the centres during the regular season, according to Fantasy Pros, so there’s plenty of incentive for him to keep firing.

Towns is 6-1 against this line vs. the Pistons this season.

Bridges over 6.5 rebounds/assists (-121): Bridges has cleared this line in back-to-back games and is a good bet to keep things rolling.

Like all of New York’s starters, the 6-foot-6 small forward plays huge minutes, which naturally leads to plenty of opportunities.

Bridges averaged 3.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists during the final 10 games of the regular season, clearing this line eight times.

That includes a game against the Pistons on April 10 (two rebounds, seven assists) with Jalen Brunson in the lineup.

Knicks vs. Pistons predictions made at 2:15 p.m. ET 04/29/2025.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks Game 5: Bet on Bouchard and Byfield to find the stat sheet

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are back at it for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

The pregame narrative: Los Angeles was 30 seconds away from putting Edmonton in a 3-1 stranglehold on Sunday before Evan Bouchard’s game-tying goal led to an Oilers overtime win. I’m betting on the defencemen to produce again alongside L.A.’s Quinton Byfield.

Check out my Oilers vs. Kings prop picks for Game 5 of this first-round matchup.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

Best Bet: Bouchard to record a point (-154)

Watching Bouchard play hockey is a rollercoaster.

Edmonton’s defenceman is the epitome of a risk/reward player, and his mere presence has led to a boatload of chances on both ends of the ice.

I’m sure head coach Kris Knoblauch wishes Bouchard were more responsible defensively, but that’s just not how he rolls.

And when a player scores four goals in two pivotal games, you kind of have to bite your tongue.

Bouchard was held pointless in Game 2, but has multiple points in his other three outings. Playing top-pairing minutes and running point on a power play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he should have ample chances to strike again.

He has 39 points in 29 playoff games dating back to last season, cashing this bet 21 times. That 72.4% hit rate far exceeds the 60.63% implied probability of this wager.

Key stat: Bouchard has 18 points in his last nine playoff games against L.A.

Quick picks

Byfield 1+ points (-130): Bouchard and the Oilers managed to outscore their problems at home, but I think the Kings are due for an offensive outburst on Tuesday.

Calvin Pickard has been better than Stuart Skinner in goal for Edmonton, but that’s not saying much.

Pickard has a 3.29 GAA and .889 SV% this series. And as mentioned, the Oilers’ defencemen aren’t doing him any favours.

Byfield found the stat sheet in Games 1 and 2 and had six shots on Sunday.

His line with Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere has generated a team-high 58 chances at 5-on-5.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks made at 12:36 p.m. ET 04/29/2025.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks Game 5: Bet on Bouchard and Byfield to find the stat sheet

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are back at it for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

The pregame narrative: Los Angeles was 30 seconds away from putting Edmonton in a 3-1 stranglehold on Sunday before Evan Bouchard‘s game-tying goal led to an Oilers overtime win. I’m betting on the defencemen to produce again alongside L.A.’s Quinton Byfield.

Check out my Oilers vs. Kings prop picks for Game 5 of this first-round matchup.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

Best Bet: Bouchard to record a point (-143)

Watching Bouchard play hockey is a rollercoaster.

Edmonton’s defenceman is the epitome of a risk/reward player, and his mere presence has led to a boatload of chances on both ends of the ice.

I’m sure head coach Kris Knoblauch wishes Bouchard were more responsible defensively, but that’s just not how he rolls.

And when a player scores four goals in two pivotal games, you kind of have to bite your tongue.

Bouchard was held pointless in Game 2, but has multiple points in his other three outings. Playing top-pairing minutes and running point on a power play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he should have ample chances to strike again.

He has 39 points in 29 playoff games dating back to last season, cashing this bet 21 times. That 72.4% hit rate far exceeds the 58.85% implied probability of this wager.

Key stat: Bouchard has 18 points in his last nine playoff games against L.A.

Embed: #113218

Quick picks

Byfield 1+ points (-124): Bouchard and the Oilers managed to outscore their problems at home, but I think the Kings are due for an offensive outburst on Tuesday.

Calvin Pickard has been better than Stuart Skinner in goal for Edmonton, but that’s not saying much.

Pickard has a 3.29 GAA and .889 SV% this series. And as mentioned, the Oilers’ defencemen aren’t doing him any favours.

Byfield found the stat sheet in Games 1 and 2 and had six shots on Sunday.

His line with Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere has generated a team-high 58 chances at 5-on-5.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks made at 12:36 p.m. ET 04/29/2025.

Bucks vs. Pacers SGP predictions Game 5: Bet on Giannis and Green to produce in a loss

Bucks vs. Pacers predictions

The Indiana Pacers can send the Milwaukee Bucks packing on Tuesday night with a win in Game 5.

The pregame narrative: It’s been a nightmare series for Milwaukee, which just lost superstar guard Damian Lillard to a torn Achilles tendon. I expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to do his thing and AJ Green to hit a pair of threes. Still, Indiana seems like a safe bet to win and advance.

Check out my Bucks vs. Pacers playoff SGP predictions for Game 5 on April 29.

Bucks vs. Pacers predictions

Parlay: Pacers -3.5 | Giannis 30+ points | Green 2+ threes (+280)

Pacers -3.5 (-250): Milwaukee has tormented Indiana for years with Giannis at the helm, but the tables have finally turned.

The Pacers are dominating this series. They have a +37 point differential through four games, covering a -7.5 spread in each win. That includes victories of 19 and eight points at home.

Milwaukee’s lone win came on its home court and required a Herculean 37-point night from Gary Trent Jr.

Indiana is a dominant 31-11 at home through the regular season and playoffs, while Milwaukee is an underwhelming 20-22 on the road.

The Bucks are 6-14 straight up as road underdogs.

Embed: #113215

NBA SGP legs

Giannis 30+ points (-225): This could be Giannis’ last game as a Buck, and if it is, I expect him to go out with a bang.

The Greek Freak has been unstoppable this series, averaging 33.8 PPG on 62.2% shooting. He’s cleared this line in three of four games while landing on 28 points in the outlier.

He is 11-4 against this line in his last 15 games against the Pacers.

Indiana allowed the fourth-most PPG to power forwards this season, according to Fantasy Pros, so there’s no reason to believe Giannis will slow down.

He’s had the second-highest usage rate in the playoffs and should get minutes until the bitter end.

Green 2+ threes (-180): Green has been a reliable 3-point shooter for Milwaukee all season. Coming off the bench, he averaged 2.1 makes on 5.0 attempts per game (42.7%).

He’s shot north of 40.0% in all three of his NBA seasons and has turned up the heat this series, going a collective 12-of-25 from deep (48.0%).

  • Game 1: 5-of-11
  • Game 2: 0-of-1
  • Game 3: 4-of-8
  • Game 4: 3-of-5

Green only played 12 minutes in a tightly-contested Game 2 with Lillard in the lineup. I expect the Pacers to have a large lead in this one, meaning Green should be on mop-up duty.

Pacers vs. Bucks predictions made at 10:45 a.m. ET 04/29/2025.

Clippers vs. Nuggets prop picks Game 5: Bet on Norman Powell and Nikola Jokic to produce

Clippers vs. Nuggets picks

The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets head back to altitude on Tuesday with their first-round series tied 2-2.

The pregame narrative: Nikola Jokic has done it all for the Nuggets through four games, which is to be expected. Norman Powell, meanwhile, has turned in an efficient shooting performance. I’m betting on each player to produce in Denver.

Check out my Clippers vs. Nuggets prop picks for Game 5 of the NBA first-round playoff series.

Clippers vs. Nuggets picks

Best Bet: Powell over 2.5 threes (+100)

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are the No. 1 and 2 options for L.A., and that’s fine.

Powell has settled into the tertiary scoring role nicely, averaging 16.8 PPG this series and shooting 42.3% from deep.

The former Toronto Raptor is playing big minutes (33.8 a night) and has attempted eight 3s in consecutive games. He cleared this line in both outings.

Powell hit a pair of 3s in Games 1 and 2, so it’s not like he was far off from a clean sweep.

I’m most encouraged by the type of looks Powell’s getting.

He’s attempting 3.3 “wide open” 3s a night, according to nba.com. That’s categorized as a shot where the nearest defender is further than six feet away.

Unsurprisingly, having Harden and Leonard stretch the floor is leading to better looks.

Denver’s biggest problem defensively is limiting 3s. Dating back to the regular season, it allows the 10th-most 3s per game (14.1) at the sixth-highest rate (36.6%).

Key stat: Powell averaged career highs in 3s (3.0) and 3-point attempts (7.1) this season.

Game 5 prop prediction

Jokic over 9.5 assists (-106): Just how much can one man do? I feel like we’re asking that question nearly every time Jokic steps off the basketball court.

The three-time MVP has been unstoppable this postseason, and you could make a good argument to back him on any market.

I want to tap into Jokic’s elite passing abilities on Tuesday night.

  • Jokic was second in APG (10.2) during the regular season.
  • Entering postseason play on April 28, he’s second in APG (10.8) while playing a league-high 42.3 minutes per night.
  • He’s also first in potential APG (19.5) this postseason, which nba.com classifies as a pass leading directly to a shot.

Jokic has cleared this line in three of four games this series and had eight assists in the outlier.

Los Angeles allowed the fifth-most assists per game to centres this season, according to Fantasy Pros.

Clippers vs. Nuggets prop picks made at 4:20 p.m. ET 04/28/2025.

Clippers vs. Nuggets prop picks Game 5: Bet on Norman Powell and Nikola Jokic to produce

Clippers vs. Nuggets picks

The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets head back to altitude on Tuesday with their first-round series tied 2-2.

The pregame narrative: Nikola Jokic has done it all for the Nuggets through four games, which is to be expected. Norman Powell, meanwhile, has turned in an efficient shooting performance. I’m betting on each player to produce in Denver.

Check out my Clippers vs. Nuggets prop picks for Game 5 of the NBA first-round playoff series.

Clippers vs. Nuggets picks

Best Bet: Powell over 2.5 threes (+110)

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are the No. 1 and 2 options for L.A., and that’s fine.

Powell has settled into the tertiary scoring role nicely, averaging 16.8 PPG this series and shooting 42.3% from deep.

The former Toronto Raptor is playing big minutes (33.8 a night) and has attempted eight 3s in consecutive games. He cleared this line in both outings.

Powell hit a pair of 3s in Games 1 and 2, so it’s not like he was far off from a clean sweep.

I’m most encouraged by the type of looks Powell’s getting.

He’s attempting 3.3 “wide open” 3s a night, according to nba.com. That’s categorized as a shot where the nearest defender is further than six feet away.

Unsurprisingly, having Harden and Leonard stretch the floor is leading to better looks.

Denver’s biggest problem defensively is limiting 3s. Dating back to the regular season, it allows the 10th-most 3s per game (14.1) at the sixth-highest rate (36.6%).

Key stat: Powell averaged career highs in 3s (3.0) and 3-point attempts (7.1) this season.

Embed: #113112

Game 5 prop prediction

Jokic over 9.5 assists (-108): Just how much can one man do? I feel like we’re asking that question nearly every time Jokic steps off the basketball court.

The three-time MVP has been unstoppable this postseason, and you could make a good argument to back him on any market.

I want to tap into Jokic’s elite passing abilities on Tuesday night.

  • Jokic was second in APG (10.2) during the regular season.
  • Entering postseason play on April 28, he’s second in APG (10.8) while playing a league-high 42.3 minutes per night.
  • He’s also first in potential APG (19.5) this postseason, which nba.com classifies as a pass leading directly to a shot.

Jokic has cleared this line in three of four games this series and had eight assists in the outlier.

Los Angeles allowed the fifth-most assists per game to centres this season, according to Fantasy Pros.

Clippers vs. Nuggets prop picks made at 4:20 p.m. ET 04/28/2025.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Game 5: Bet on Brady Tkachuk, Morgan Rielly

Senators vs. Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs have another chance to eliminate the Ottawa Senators and win the Battle of Ontario on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Ottawa avoided a sweep on Saturday night but is still on the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to Toronto. Morgan Rielly has been solid for the Maple Leafs, and Brady Tkachuk has points in three straight for the Senators. I’m betting on both to produce.

Check out my Senators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks for Game 5 of the opening round.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Tkachuk to register a point (-130)

Tkachuk was held pointless in the series opener, but it wasn’t for lack of effort.

The Senators’ captain fired five pucks on net and generated a game-high 11 chances in the loss. Tkachuk doesn’t kill penalties and saw just under 17 minutes of ice time as his team made a conga line to the penalty box.

Things have gone much better for Tkachuk and Ottawa since, even though Toronto has walked away with wins in two of the past three games.

  • Game 2: One goal, five shots, 20:18 TOI
  • Game 3: One goal, four shots, 17:19 TOI
  • Game 4: One assist, one shot, 21:24 TOI

If the Sens want any chance of pulling off a historic comeback, Tkachuk will need to be front and centre.

Anthony Stolarz has been great for the Maple Leafs in net but just turned in his worst game of the series, allowing four goals on 21 shots.

That could be cause for concern, as the netminder is reaching uncharted territory in terms of workload. He’ll be making his 39th appearance of the season after never playing more than 28 games in previous years.

Toronto is also allowing the sixth-most chances on a 60-minute basis this postseason (64.31), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Most of those aren’t from high-danger areas, but throwing pucks on the net tends to lead to greasy goals in the postseason.

Key stat: Tkachuk leads all Senators in shots (15) and chances (32) this series.

Game 5 prop prediction

Rielly to record a point (+125): Rielly has turned up the heat in the postseason, as is tradition.

The longest-tenured Maple Leafs has three points (two goals) in four games, and is third in average TOI (22:35).

The rearguard has cleared this line in three of four games and is coming off a four-shot outing on Saturday.

His 21 shot attempts are fourth among all Maple Leafs skaters. Only nine of those have found the net, but Craig Berube’s coaching staff has placed a clear emphasis on firing pucks from the point.

Rielly should stick to that game plan on Tuesday.

Maple Leafs vs. Senators prop picks made at 2:03 p.m. ET 04/28/2025.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Game 5: Bet on Brady Tkachuk, Morgan Rielly

Senators vs. Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs have another chance to eliminate the Ottawa Senators and win the Battle of Ontario on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Ottawa avoided a sweep on Saturday night but is still on the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to Toronto. Morgan Rielly has been solid for the Maple Leafs, and Brady Tkachuk has points in three straight for the Senators. I’m betting on both to produce.

Check out my Senators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks for Game 5 of the opening round.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Tkachuk to register a point (-129)

Tkachuk was held pointless in the series opener, but it wasn’t for lack of effort.

The Senators’ captain fired five pucks on net and generated a game-high 11 chances in the loss. Tkachuk doesn’t kill penalties and saw just under 17 minutes of ice time as his team made a conga line to the penalty box.

Things have gone much better for Tkachuk and Ottawa since, even though Toronto has walked away with wins in two of the past three games.

  • Game 2: One goal, five shots, 20:18 TOI
  • Game 3: One goal, four shots, 17:19 TOI
  • Game 4: One assist, one shot, 21:24 TOI

If the Sens want any chance of pulling off a historic comeback, Tkachuk will need to be front and centre.

Anthony Stolarz has been great for the Maple Leafs in net but just turned in his worst game of the series, allowing four goals on 21 shots.

That could be cause for concern, as the netminder is reaching uncharted territory in terms of workload. He’ll be making his 39th appearance of the season after never playing more than 28 games in previous years.

Toronto is also allowing the sixth-most chances on a 60-minute basis this postseason (64.31), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Most of those aren’t from high-danger areas, but throwing pucks on the net tends to lead to greasy goals in the postseason.

Key stat: Tkachuk leads all Senators in shots (15) and chances (32) this series.

Embed: #113095

Game 5 prop prediction

Rielly over 1.5 shots (+110): Rielly has turned up the heat in the postseason, as is tradition.

The longest-tenured Maple Leafs has three points (two goals) in four games, and is third in average TOI (22:35). I’m happy to back Rielly to record a point at +128, but I think this is a safer option.

The rearguard has cleared this line in three of four games and is coming off a four-shot outing on Saturday.

His 21 shot attempts are fourth among all Maple Leafs skaters. Only nine of those have found the net, but Craig Berube’s coaching staff has placed a clear emphasis on firing pucks from the point.

Rielly should stick to that game plan on Tuesday.

Maple Leafs vs. Senators prop picks made at 2:03 p.m. ET 04/28/2025.

NHL playoff anytime goalscorer picks April 28: Bet on Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point to score

NHL anytime goal picks

I’ve got one goalscorer pick for both of Monday’s NHL playoff games.

The pregame narrative: The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars series is tied at 2-2, while the Tampa Bay Lightning can level things up with the Florida Panthers in Game 4. Look for Nathan MacKinnon and Brayden Point to make noise.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for April 28.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: MacKinnon to score (+120)

I was debating rolling with Artturi Lehkonen here but decided not to overthink things.

MacKinnon is the best player on the ice and a top-three player in the league. He’s scored four goals already this series, cashing this wager three times, and is at the top of the leaderboard in several offensive categories, according to Natural Stat Trick:

  • 1st in shots (23)
  • 5th in chances (35)
  • 12th in scoring chances (15)

On the road, the power forward will draw Dallas’ toughest defensive matchups. But MacKinnon is second among all forwards in ice time, so head coach Jared Bednar will surely find ways to get him out in favourable situations.

And it’s not like the Stars have built a brick wall on defence.

Dallas is allowing the third-most shots (31.22) and the fourth-most high-danger chances (12.53) on a 60-minute basis this postseason.

Key stat: Mackinnon has cashed this wager in four of his last five playoff games against the Stars.

NHL prop predictions

Point to score (+170): Tampa Bay was in serious trouble hitting the road down 0-2, but the team responded with a 5-1 win on Saturday.

Point scored in that game, notching his second of the playoffs and 44th of the year (in 80 regular season/playoff games).

Only three players — William Nylander, Alex Ovechkin and Leon Draisaitl — have scored more than that.

His line with Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov has generated a 61.9% Corsi rate at 5-on-5 this series and is constantly a threat to score.

Point is also a mainstay on the power play, which is just 1-of-13 so far. Tampa had the fifth-best man advantage during the regular season (25.9%) and is bound for some positive regression with Florida taking boatloads of penalties.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 12:09 p.m. ET on 04/28/2025.