Cavaliers vs. Magic player props, picks for 4/22: Why to bet Jarrett Allen in Game 2

If you’re following me in the Action App, you’ll know we’re running it back with Jarrett Allen after we cashed in on his strong Game 1 performance.

The Cavs center scored 16 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in Cleveland's resounding win in the series opener on Saturday.

For Game 2, I’m backing Allen with a modified same-game parlay, banking on him to score at least 14 points and record nine rebounds.

On the points side, Allen has cleared this line in 14 of the 20 games in which he’s played at least 30 minutes with the trio of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley suiting up beside him.

Against the Magic, he averaged 15.7 points per 34 minutes across their five matchups this season. In Game 1, Jonathan Isaac was Allen’s primary defender. While Isaac is capable on the defensive end, he’s better on the perimeter.

Even if the Magic go back to Wendell Carter Jr. as their starting center tonight, Allen shot 7-for-11 against the Orlando big man in their two matchups this season.

And on the rebounding front, the numbers are there: Allen is averaging 14.9 rebounds per 34 minutes against the Magic this season. Coming off an 18-rebound performance, we only need half of his output from Game 1.

Mobley will be locked in on the high-usage Paolo Banchero, which should leave Allen with a relatively open lane to clear the glass.

From a player props perspective, Game 2 of a playoff series is all about deciphering what will carry over from Game 1 performances. I see the Magic adjusting more to their coverages on Donovan Mitchell than I do the Cavs big man.

I have Allen projected at 16 points and 11 rebounds tonight.

Same-Game Parlay Pick: Jarrett Allen 14+ Points & 9+ Rebounds (-109 · Play to -130)