NBA Finals, Game 3 Preview: Three Best Bets for Celtics at Mavericks

We are heading into game three of the NBA Finals. The Celtics have dominated the first two games and have jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Mavs. If you guys would like, Boston is a whopping -850 to win the series!

The Finals aren’t over yet! The Mavericks are back home in Dallas, so let’s get to the best three bets to focus on for Wednesday, June 12. Good luck, folks!

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum OVER 26.5 Points

Now I consider myself a Tatum truther, but he’s not a top-five player and these Finals are showing it. We’ve all seen the memes on social media, but as we all know he’s due for a big game.

In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Tatum is significantly worse at home, averaging 22.8 PPG and 9.6 RPG on 42%. On the road, he’s averaging 28.3 PPG and 11.5 RPG on 51% shooting. In the last three out of four road playoff games, Tatum has scored 30 points.

I think the Celtics are doing their best to hide how serious Kristaps Porzingis’ injury is. The 6’7 forward will have to score to go up 3-0. Tatum is also that guy who won’t stop shooting, as he’s averaging 22 shots a game in his last five. Make 15 of those and you have a 30 piece. Let’s ride the over.

Dallas Mavericks -1.5 1Q

I love playing first-quarter bets! It’s like the NRFI in baseball, quick and sweaty. I played Celtics 1Q in game one for them being at home, the first game of the NBA Finals, and the atmosphere.

The Celtics won that quarter easily. So, we’re running it back with the Mavericks at home. Besides the first round against the Clippers, Dallas has won the first quarter in each first series game at home.

This is also basically an elimination game for them since no one in NBA history has come back down 3-0. They will have to come out firing on all cylinders. Give me the Mavs to win the first by two.

Boston Celtics’ Derrick White Over 4.5 Assists

This prop bet correlates with Jayson Tatum’s over in points. If I’m reading the script correctly, Tatum will drop 30 with most of those buckets coming from Derrick White.

The 6’4 guard has shown his worth in the playoffs this season. As Josh Hart said, White is “More impactful than Jayson Tatum.”

White has recorded five assists or more in five out of the last seven games. I think Porzingis being hurt sends the Celtics back to how they played in the Indiana series. In the last seven games, four of which were without KP, White has averaged 7.3 potential assists per game. It’s a nice plus-money bet. Good luck if you’re tailing