2024 NBA playoffs - Bets, lines and stats for Thursday - ESPN

The first round of the NBA playoffs continues tonight with a trio of Game 3s. The game I'm really anxious for is the matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The first two games in this series have been closely contested, and I expect that trend to continue in Game 3. There are two prop bets I like from that game, in addition to two from the other games on the slate. Let's get into it.

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Joel Embiid over 47.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-115). This is a must-win game for the 76ers, who cannot go down 0-3. They'll be playing on their home court, and I expect Embiid to be aggressive the entire game. He has cleared this line in one out of two games so far in the series. I'd be shocked if Embiid doesn't deliver an epic performance on Thursday night.

Jalen Brunson over 28.5 points (-105). The Knicks know the 76ers will put it all on the line in Game 3 to avoid going down 0-3 in this series. Brunson, like Embiid, will come out aggressive. He's the engine that has propelled the Knicks this far this season. Brunson hasn't cleared this line so far this series, but he has surpassed it in 60% of his past 20 games.

Austin Reaves over 17.5 points and rebounds (-120). The Lakers find themselves in a similar situation as the 76ers, down 0-2 and in a must-win situation. Reaves hasn't cleared this line so far in the series, but he has a history of playing very well at home, going over this number in 70% of his past 20 home games. It will take a team effort for the Lakers to defeat the Nuggets, and Reaves will be one of the role players who steps up Thursday night.

Jamal Murray over 24.5 points (-105). Murray has struggled so far