Clippers vs. Suns: The best player prop bets for Game 1

After a dramatic 25-point comeback victory on Friday night against the Utah Jazz in Game 6, the Los Angeles Clippers will be back in action on Sunday afternoon (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) as they start their Western Conference Finals with the well-rested Phoenix Suns.

Will Paul George and company thrive on their momentum after winning four straight to close out their semifinal series, or will Devin Booker and the Suns keep on rolling after completing the sweep of the Denver Nuggets last Sunday? Let’s start finding out as we dig into our three favorite player props of the game.

Deandre Ayton to record double-double

Savvy bettors have been making bank on Deandre Ayton this postseason. He’s scored the first field goal multiple times, and has recorded a double-double in seven of his first 10 playoff games. Bettors should go right back to the well with Ayton in the double-double market.

Ayton has not only cleared the double-digit plateau in points and rebounds seven of 10 times, but he’s averaged 15.2 points and 10.6 rebounds. And that came against some true bullies in the paint, like Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic. Without Kawhi Leonard hawking him for boards, and with the Clippers lacking a bonafide center, Ayton should have an outstanding Game 1.

NBA pick: Yes (-125)

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Terance Mann Over/Under 13.5 pts

Terance Mann was the unlikely hero of Game 6 for L.A., as he notched career-highs in points (39) and 3-pointers made (seven) in a 131-119 victory over the Utah Jazz. We don’t want to rain on Mann’s parade, or diminish that Game 6 accomplishment, but the smart money says Mann will regress significantly in this spot.

Mann’s player point total was 9.5 on Friday night, not unfair considering he scored a grand total of just 25 points in Games 1-5 of the conference semifinals. Now bettors are asked to swallow a four-point increase if they want to back Mann against the Suns. Don’t be a prisoner of the moment, and take the Under here.

NBA pick: Under

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Jae Crowder Over/Under 11.5 pts

Jae Crowder began slowly in these playoffs, but he has caught fire over his last seven games. Don’t bet against him having another solid Sunday on the court.

Crowder has averaged 14.4 points over his last seven postseason outings. The 3-point shot has been his weapon of choice, as he’s knocked down 24 of his last 48 attempts from beyond the arc. Four threes would put Crowder over this very makeable point total threshold.

NBA pick: Over