BEST NBA PLAYER PROPS TODAY FOR MARCH 31: REAVES DOMINATES IN NO. 3 ROLE

The Western Conference playoff picture takes center stage tonight, with five of the Top 8 in action on a pivotal Monday night.

There are intriguing NBA player props all over the eight-game schedule, and my top NBA picks for the March 31 slate put a spotlight on three players ending the regular season on a high note. 

Best NBA player props today

NBA player props for March 31

Kawhi Leonard Over 22.5 points (-110 at bet365)

The Los Angeles Clippers need an almost flawless run-in to sneak above the play-in line, but Kawhi Leonard’s recent form suggests there’s still hope for Ty Lue’s squad, despite a loss in Cleveland yesterday without their main man.

Leonard returns tonight against the Orlando Magic, and I see him putting the finishing touches on a terrific March. Kawhi has averaged 25.9 points per game this month on 54% shooting, so I’ve got no hesitation in picking this Over.

Sure, defense continues to be Orlando’s calling card, but Leonard has gone past this number in eight straight games, looking back to his best as the playoffs approach. He’s knocking down the 3-ball at a 43% clip across his last 12 contests and, with James Harden and Norman Powell flanking him, Kawhi should be able to go to work against single coverage and get to his spots.

A few rest days will have done him good, and I’m counting on another efficient night for Kawhi.

P.J. Washington Over 16.5 points (-115 at bet365)

The Dallas Mavericks seemed to be sliding out of play-in contention earlier this month. Still, Anthony Davis’ return has contributed to a 4-1 stretch, and they’ve got a favorable matchup on deck against the Brooklyn Nets.

It’s easy to focus on Davis, but P.J. Washington has been a spark too. Bumped up the offensive pecking order, he’s averaging 23.2 ppg across his last five outings, going past this line in four of those contests.

This is a Dallas team that’s still short on scoring, despite solid contributions from Klay Thompson, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Naji Marshall, so pencil Washington in for 15+ field goal attempts again tonight — and there’s unlikely to be much resistance from an undermanned Brooklyn defense.

Washington remains a streaky marksman from downtown, but he’s never shy about letting it fly, and he’s shot at least 50% from the field overall in five straight games. He’s a willing outlet in transition and should walk into some easy looks tonight with Davis drawing a crowd in the paint. Sign me up for the Over on a line that feels too low.

Austin Reaves Over 20.5 points (-120 at bet365)

This version of the Los Angeles Lakers may not have all the answers defensively, but there will be no such problems at the other end of the floor. The Lakers can flat-out score with Luka Doncic and LeBron James at the controls.

That puts Austin Reaves in a perfect spot as the No. 3 option, and he’s taken full advantage over his last 10 games. In that span, Reaves has hit the Over on this 20.5 number nine times, and he enters tonight’s clash with the Houston Rockets on the heels of back-to-back outings with 30+ points.

Playing alongside two next-level creators, it’s no surprise to see Reaves’ field goal percentage climbing, as well as his free-throw attempts. He’s a master at attacking scrambling defenses, and I see him cashing in when he’s got Fred VanVleet or Jalen Green guarding him tonight. 

Reaves even seems to be moving past a brief slump from 3-point range. He made five of his eight triples on Saturday against the Grizzlies, and I expect that form to carry over as L.A. tries to improve its playoff seeding.

NBA odds today

Here are the full NBA odds for all of today’s matchups.

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