NBA Props Betting – Break the Bank on Kobe, L.A. Lakers Game 1 Props Odds

Led by superstar shooting guard Kobe Bryant and gifted all-star forward Pau Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers head into tonight’s Game 1 Western Conference Finals matchup against Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns looking to take the first step toward what they hope will be a third consecutive Conference championship.

Monday, May 17, 9:00 PM ET
TV: TNT
Radio: Sirius 211 XM, 212 XM

Pro basketball betting buffs that love to bet on the game within the game will enjoy this look at the entertaining – and potentially profitable props odds centered on Bryant and two of his Lakers teammates, Gasol and the multi-talented Lamar Odom, followed by my expert NBA picks.

With tip-off time just hours away, let me get started.

Kobe Bryant Total Points
Over 29½ Pts -125
Under 29½ Pts -105
Analysis: Bryant is averaging ‘just’ 26.9 points per game in 10 postseason contests and put up just 27.2 points per contest against the Suns in four regular season contests while reaching the 30-point plateau just once against Phoenix. Bryant however, has scored at least 30 points in five straight games and will be playing the up-tempo Suns, giving him more opportunities to score the ball, so I like the Over for the son of former Philly legend Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant.

Expert NBA Picks: Over 29½ Pts

Pau Gasol Total Points and Rebounds
Over 32½ Pts+Rebs -110
Under 32½ Pts+Rebs -120
Analysis: Gasol is averaging 20.2 points and 13.1 boards per game in the postseason and has been the best big man in the postseason through two rounds. The Suns don’t really have the length to keep Gasol off the boards – or stop him from scoring in the low post. I like Pau Gasol to have another monster game tonight while narrowly topping this set O/U total.

Expert NBA Picks: Over 32½ Pts+Rebs

Lamar Odom Total Points and Rebounds
Over 17½ Pts+Rebs -125
Under 17½ Pts+Rebs -105
Analysis: Odom is averaging just 8.5 points per game but a stellar 8.1 rebounds per contest off the bench for L.A. but like Gasol, has a distinct height advantage over whoever will be guarding him when he’s on the floor. I like the Over here for Odom who has scored in double figures for the Lakers in two of his last three games.

Expert NBA Picks: Over 17½ Pts+Rebs