Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second quarter in game two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
- Game 3 of the NBA Finals is set for Wednesday night between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.
- The series shifts to Dallas after Boston won both games at home to take a 2-0 series lead.
- Check out our favorite player prop picks below.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals takes place on Wednesday night in Dallas. Boston could be without star big man Kristaps Porzingis, who suffered a rare ankle injury in Game 2 on Sunday. The Celtics hold a 2-0 series lead, making this essentially a must-win game for Luka Doncic and company. The game is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on ABC.
Celtics vs Mavericks Game 3 Player-Prop Picks
- Kyrie Irving under 23.5 points (-125)
- Jrue Holiday over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists (-115)
- Al Horford over 9.5 points (-115)
The above odds are via bet365 as of Wednesday, June 12. When you sign up for bet365 today, you can receive $150 in bonus bets when you place your initial wager of $5 or more.
Irving has struggled this series. Boston has been using Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to guard him and he hasn’t been able to do much. Even with Porzingis likely out, hurting Boston’s rim protection, Irving’s offensive impact should still be limited. He hasn’t reached 20 points in this series, posting 12 in Game 1 and 16 in Game 2. I think Brown, Holiday and company will be up to the challenge again. Even if Kyrie manages to get to the 20-point threshold, Boston’s defense should stop him from getting to 24 points.
Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday is probably the favorite to be the Finals MVP through 2 games. He’s been incredible, and posted 40 points+rebounds+assists in Game 2. Dating back to Game 1 of the Indiana series, Holiday has gone over 24.5 PRA in 6-straight games. In 4 of those games (the Indiana series), Porzingis didn’t play, so Holiday has experience in those situations. I like him to continue his outstanding series tonight in Dallas, rising to the occasion when his team needs him most.
The player who will benefit the most from Porzingis potentially being out is, of course, Al Horford. The veteran big man has kept his starting role this series, but has seen his minutes dip a bit with Porzingis back in the rotation. Even at 38 years old, Horford is capable of having big offensive nights. The Celtics have given the Mavericks fits because all 5 players on the court at any given time can shoot 3-pointers well. That remains the case with Horford’s minutes increasing. I like him to knock down 2-3 shots from long range and finish Game 3 with 10+ points.
Celtics vs Mavericks Game 3 Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | +2.5 (-110) | +120 | O 214.0 (-110) |
| Dallas Mavericks | -2.5 (-110) | -140 | U 214.0 (-110) |
The Celtics, despite being up 2-0 in the series, are underdogs in Game 3 on the road. The spread is set at -2.5 for Dallas and +2.5 for Boston, with equal -110 odds on both sides. You can also get -110 odds on the over/under, which is set at 214.0 points. If you think Boston will win a third-straight game over the Mavericks, the Celtics are +120 on the moneyline, compared to -140 for Dallas.
All of the above odds are via bet365 as of Wednesday, June 12.
Adam is an avid college sports fan, covering both football and basketball. During the summer months, he’s all-in on MLB action, favoring pitcher strikeout parlays.
The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are set to face off in Game 3 of their playoff series on June 12, and there are plenty of player-prop bets to consider for this highly anticipated matchup. With both teams boasting talented rosters and a lot on the line, it’s sure to be an exciting game for fans and bettors alike.
One player to keep an eye on for the Celtics is Jayson Tatum. The young forward has been a key contributor for Boston all season long, and he will be looking to continue his strong play in Game 3. Tatum has been averaging over 25 points per game in the playoffs, and he could be a solid pick for a player-prop bet on points scored.
On the Mavericks side, Luka Doncic is the player to watch. The dynamic guard has been putting up impressive numbers throughout the playoffs, and he will be looking to lead his team to victory in Game 3. Doncic is averaging over 30 points per game in the postseason, making him a strong candidate for a player-prop bet on points scored as well.
In addition to Tatum and Doncic, there are plenty of other players to consider for player-prop bets in this game. Players like Kemba Walker, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown could all have big performances and be worth betting on for various props such as points, rebounds, assists, or three-pointers made.
When placing player-prop bets, it’s important to consider factors such as recent performance, matchup history, and injury reports. Doing thorough research and staying informed on the latest news can help bettors make more informed decisions and increase their chances of winning.
Overall, Game 3 between the Celtics and Mavericks is shaping up to be a thrilling contest with plenty of opportunities for player-prop bets. Whether you’re rooting for Boston or Dallas, there are plenty of options to consider when placing your bets on this exciting matchup.
