June 18th NBA Props – Best Player Prop Bets for Clippers vs Jazz, 76ers vs Hawks

• Two NBA teams will fight for their playoff lives Friday, June 18th
• As always, the player prop market features an alternative way to get involved in the action
• See available player props for the top players taking to the floor tonight within the story below

Friday night will be electric in the NBA as two unexpected teams will try to survive for one more game. Both the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz were favored coming into their second round series but both are now only one loss away from elimination.

ESPN is beaming all the playoff goodness into our lives starting with Joel Embiid and the 76ers taking on Trae Young and the Hawks at 7:30pm ET from Atlanta. From there we will be taken to Los Angeles where we will see if Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz can stay alive for one more game against the possibly Kawhi-less Clippers. This night should be full of action if you know what I mean.

The player prop market is sure to be wide open. Check out the table below to see the lines on the players taking the floor tonight. Scroll down to see two of the better bets on the board.

June 18th NBA Player Props

Odds as of June 18th

Ben Simmons Shows Up

Much has been made about Ben Simmons’ lack of shooting skills. Taking 14 shots from the free throw line and only making four of the attempts like Simmons did in Game 5 is pretty bad and will put a target on your back. Especially in the playoffs.

But one thing that was on display in Game 5 was Simmons’ ability to play-make. He finished with nine assists on the night making it the third time this series he was able to reach nine dimes. This isn’t a new thing for him as Simmons has always been creative in the assist category.

Day 1 of the preseason and @BenSimmons25 is already inventing new assists 👀 #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/Fo2Kj2IagA

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 28, 2018

Tonight the offense will no doubt go through Joel Embiid, but Simmons will be relied on to facilitate. His confidence has to be shot after the poor shooting night in Game 5 and the series in general. But Simmons is still a guy that can and will have to contribute in other areas. Look for him to record at least nine assists tonight just like he has done in 60% of the games in this series so far.

• The Pick: Simmons Over 8.5 Assists (+116) *Alt Line

Injuries Present Opportunity in the Player Prop Market

Both the Jazz and Clippers are dealing with injuries to starters. The Jazz hold the status of Mike Conley close to their chests seemingly every night which makes it difficult for bettors to take advantage. The Clippers on the other hand, have already ruled Kawhi Leonard out for this one which allows the books to post the player prop lines for that side.

Ty Lue says Kawhi Leonard is out for Game 6 tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/Dax5QqZ9wG

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 18, 2021

While Paul George is the obvious beneficiary of Leonard’s absence, his numbers are sky high. Sure he can get home on 33.5 points, but it makes more sense to look for value elsewhere. That elsewhere is named Reggie Jackson.

We should be chasing volume in this game we play and he stands to see more. In Game 5 with Leonard on the shelf, he took 15 shots which is more than the 12 he took in Game 3 and 4 combined. He’s highly likely to continue that trajectory tonight. He only need eight attempts from the floor to score 17 points in Game 3 so if he is even somewhat efficient, he should fly over this total.

• The Pick: Jackson Over 17.5 points (+100)