PrizePicks NBA Picks Today, 11/21: Free DFS Picks, Stacks & Projections

Porzingis got into foul trouble in Game 5, picking up three fouls during the first half. And for the second straight game, he was brought off the bench to begin the third quarter. Payton Pritchard (10/3/1 with two three-pointers in 25 minutes) started the third as the Celtics went small. Porzingis played 22 and 21 minutes in the final two games of this series, so the time off before the start of the second round may be beneficial to the Celtics center. Next up for Boston is either New York or Detroit.

Brown’s right knee continues to be an issue, but he logged 32 minutes in Game 5 and was efficient offensively. Boston taking care of its business in five games will get the banged-up champions valuable rest before the second round begins. And this group made some franchise history, winning their fifth consecutive playoff series. That’s the sixth time the Celtics have accomplished that feat. However, the Brown/Tatum-led Celtics are the first to win all five series in five games or fewer. Next up for the reigning champs will be either New York or Detroit in the second round.

Closing out a series can be difficult, as the Celtics were reminded on Tuesday. They trailed Orlando by two at the half, with Tatum shooting 6-of-9 from the field. He would only make four more field goals on the night, but the six-time All-Star took advantage of the foul line. Tatum made all 11 of his attempts in Game 5, extending his streak to 37 consecutive made free throws. With New York losing to Detroit on Tuesday, the Celtics will have a rest advantage to begin the second round, regardless of who their next opponent will be.

Robinson, who totaled eight points in the first four games of the series, had his best performance in Game 5. He recorded a double-double and four “stocks,” providing solid value off the bench. While foul shooting remains an issue, with the Pistons intentionally fouling Robinson on multiple occasions, the Knicks are aware of what they have in their reserve center. He’ll need to produce a similar effort in Game 6 on Thursday, especially if the Pistons can get Isaiah Stewart (knee) on the court. He has not played since Game 1.

Anunoby was one of two Knicks starters to shoot 50 percent or better from the field, with Josh Hart being the other. Unfortunately for him, OG only attempted 13 shots, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges (17/6/2/0/1 with two three-pointers) leading the way with 16 attempts each (they were a combined 11-of-32). Anunoby has also taken on the unenviable task of defending Cade Cunningham more than any other Knick, and he has impacted the Pistons’ point guard’s efficiency. New York will need another strong effort from Anunoby in Game 6 on Thursday.

After dropping 58 points in the two Knicks’ victories in Detroit, Towns was held in check by the Pistons in Game 5. A reason for this was the decision to leave Tobias Harris on KAT as his primary defender, avoiding extended periods in which Jalen Duren took on the responsibility. Harris was outstanding defensively, challenging most of Towns’ looks and making it difficult for him to establish a presence on the low block. Also, the absence of pick-and-rolls with Jalen Brunson did not do Towns any favors. The Knicks should utilize that action much more in Game 6 on Thursday, as they look to end the series.