BOSTON @ DALLAS (DAL -2.5, 213)
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CELTICS VS. MAVERICKS 6/12/24
There are two possible outcomes going into Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Either the Dallas Mavericks show some life and begin to turn around what has been a one-sided series thus far, or the Boston Celtics take a commanding 3-0 lead and move closer to the franchise's first title since 2008.
Based on league history, Boston is in the driver’s seat since 31 of 36 teams that led 2-0 in the NBA Finals went on to win the championship. What strategy will the Celtics employ in Game 3 to try to increase their undefeated road record to 7-0 in the playoffs? Boston guard Jrue Holiday says the Celtics will continue to be the hungrier team.
Early on, the Celtics have shown themselves to be the more talented, deeper team. Despite offensive struggles, such as shooting only 10-of-39 (25.6%) from three-point range in Game 2, Boston has been winning despite these difficulties.
In contrast, Luka Doncic, who recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in Game 2, a 105-98 loss at Boston, cannot be the Mavericks' only option. Despite being marked as doubtful for the game, Doncic managed to put on a stellar performance. It was discovered that in addition to persistent problems with his left ankle and right knee, he also suffered a chest injury in Game 1.
The more pressing issue for the Mavs is how to get Kyrie Irving going. Irving has had a sluggish start to this Finals series. He has only managed to score an average of 14 points per game on 13-of-37 shooting overall, including 0-of-8 from three-point range, in the two games played in Boston. Irving needs to find a way to have a bigger influence if Dallas hopes to retake the series.
Against a dynamic and adaptable Boston defense, making things happen is easier said than done. The Mavs' backcourt has been slowed down by the Celtics using a variety of defenders, including Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Holiday, who can all give Doncic and Irving different looks.
Despite a few poor performances from Tatum, a five-time All-Star and first-team All-NBA pick for three straight seasons, the Celtics have succeeded offensively. With a team-high 26 points in Game 2, Holiday showed his mettle. Brown was the top scorer for the Celtics in Game 1.
Regarding injuries, center Kristaps Porzingis of Boston is optimistic about his return to action following a left leg injury he suffered late in Game 2. The Celtics declared that it has nothing to do with Porzingis's earlier injury to his right calf. After being traded by the Mavs in February 2022, Porzingis would make his first appearance in Dallas if he is cleared to play in Game 3. The medical staff will make the final determination regarding Porzingis' status, which was listed as questionable on Tuesday, according to Boston coach Joe Mazzulla.
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FREE PICK: DERECK LIVELY II OVER 13.5 PTS + REBS
Lively missed his points + rebounds prop in each of the first two games of this series. That is because of the presence of Kristaps Porzingis of Boston. With Porzingis likely out of Game 3, Lively should see his numbers improve. He’s cleared this number in 9 of his last 15 games and he did clear 13.5 points + rebounds in both regular season games against Boston this season. His average for the postseason - 15.7 PR - and not having to deal with Porzingsis in the paint puts him well Over this number tonight.
FREE PICK: JRUE HOLIDAY OVER 19.5 PTS + REBS
Holiday led the Celtics in scoring in Game 2 with 26, easily clearing this prop. The Celtics guard has cleared this number in each of his last four games and 6 of his last 9. For the postseason, Holiday averages 19.6 points + rebounds per game. Holiday has averaged at least 18.5 points per game since the beginning of the Celtics last series with Indiana. He’s also cleared this number in 4 of the last 5 against Dallas.
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