Parity is on full display in the Eastern Conference, as two more series require Game 7s to determine who advances to the second round. The Magic and Pistons will get us started before we wrap things up with the Cavaliers hosting the Raptors.
Our approach for this preview won't necessarily be to break down these individual matchups. Instead, we'll seek to highlight players that offer the best value in the DraftKings Game Leaders market.
NBA Game Leader Picks, Predictions: Sunday, May 3
- Magic vs Pistons – Most 3-Pointers: Cade Cunningham (+410)
- Raptors vs Cavaliers – Top Rebounder: Evan Mobley (+159)
Magic vs Pistons 3-Point Leader
With the Pistons rallying from a 3-1 deficit to force a Game 7, you could say there's no looking back at this point. The top-seeded Pistons have ridden back-to-back 30+ point performances from their star player, Cade Cunningham, to claw their way back into the series.
Game 7s are practically made for superstars, and much like Joel Embiid's performance with a game-high of 34 points against the Celtics on Saturday night, it's hard to envision a scenario where Cunningham doesn't look to take over this game completely.
The Pistons point guard is averaging 32.5 points in this series and is an odds-on favorite (-150) to finish with the most points.
However, a better way to target Cunningham might be to back him as the 3-point leader, given his odds of +410. Cunningham led the way with five 3-pointers at Little Caesars Arena in Game 5, and a little home cooking could provide all the comfort he needs to put together another big performance.
As Detroit's primary ball handler, Cunningham has full control of the offense, determining who'll get the shots and when.
Look for him to call his number more times than not, and if the volume is there, he should be in good standing to challenge for the most 3-pointers.
Pick: Most 3-Pointers: Cade Cunningham (+410)
Raptors vs Cavaliers Rebounds Leader
The Cavaliers will need everyone to play their part if they're to have any chance of advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Cleveland's Evan Mobley is coming off a game high of 26 points and 14 rebounds in Game 6.
While I don't expect Mobley to replicate that scoring performance, he should face even less variance in his rebounding.
Mobley entered this series as the top rebounder with nine per game. He's also averaging 8.8 rebounds per game in this round, which is also a series high.
Yet, we're still able to get Mobley at a plus price of +159 to finish Game 7 as the top rebounder.
With Game 7s often resulting in lower-scoring games with tighter defense, Mobley should have a great chance to clean up on the glass.
It's worth noting that, according to StatMuse, when facing the Raptors, Mobley's average of 10.1 rebounds is his highest against any NBA opponent. Those numbers should further bolster his chances in this category.
Pick: Top Rebounder: Evan Mobley (+159)
