Pick #5: Donovan Mitchell o4.5 Assists (-145 BetMGM)

**Donovan Mitchell Poised to Shine in Cleveland Cavaliers' Playoff Opener**

As the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers gear up for Game One of their NBA Playoffs series on Saturday night, all eyes will be on Donovan Mitchell to lead the charge for the Cavaliers. My pick for this matchup is for Mitchell to surpass the 4.5 assists mark, showcasing his playmaking prowess on the court.

Mitchell is expected to log significant minutes, likely around 35 or more, unless a blowout scenario unfolds – a possibility to consider in the opening game of the series. However, even with potential playing time limitations, Mitchell has demonstrated his ability to distribute the ball effectively, averaging over 6 assists per 35 minutes of play.

In his most recent encounter against the Orlando Magic, Mitchell showcased his playmaking skills by dishing out an impressive 13 assists. Recognizing Orlando's defensive strategy to limit his scoring opportunities, Mitchell adapted by becoming a facilitator, demonstrating his versatility on the court.

Moreover, Mitchell has been a consistent performer in home games, surpassing the 4.5 assists mark in his last 13 appearances at home. Against the Magic specifically, Mitchell has excelled, registering 15 and 13 potential assists in his last two matchups. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been a key factor in the Cavaliers' success.

When playing 30 or more minutes at home, Mitchell has surpassed the assist line in an impressive 40 out of 49 games, highlighting his reliability in high-pressure situations. Furthermore, Mitchell has thrived in playoff scenarios, surpassing the assist mark in 13 out of 14 playoff games and all five playoff games as a member of the Cavaliers.

As the Cavaliers embark on their playoff journey, Mitchell's playmaking abilities will be instrumental in dictating the pace and flow of the game. With his track record of success and ability to rise to the occasion in playoff matchups, bettors can confidently place their wagers on Donovan Mitchell to deliver an exceptional performance in Game One against the Orlando Magic.