JutPicks
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The Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers look to avoid dropping both games on the road in their respective series.
Let’s dive into my best NBA player prop bets for Thursday, May 9, while you can also check out our NBA picks for both games.
Jayson Tatum, BOS, Under 5.5 assists (-142)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Cavaliers’ plan of overcommitting on Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in Game 1 did not work. They allowed 18 3-pointers, with most off the catch-and-shoot. Cavaliers Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff addressed the media and said they must limit them, which means living with Jayson Tatum getting his.
Tatum has been scrutinized this postseason for his play. He’s averaging 21 points on 40% from the field. But the Celtics are rolling, and it looks like they won’t be tested until the NBA Finals. As much as I want to back his points tonight, fading his assists is a better edge. The Cavaliers will gladly let him shoot them out of this game after his 7-of-19 performance from the field in Game 1. Leaving guys like Derrick White and Al Horford wide open is not the best move for Cleveland.
I’m all for paying the vig at -142 on a prop with thin margins. FanDuel has this same prop at -162, which is a price I wouldn’t recommend backing.
You can also check out our Cavaliers vs Celtics Same Game Parlay
Kyrie Irving, DAL, Over 23.5 points (-119)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing
Kyrie Irving was stellar in the Mavericks’ first-round series win against the Clippers — particularly in the 2nd half. He scored more than 15 points in the second half in 5 of 6 games and continued that in Game 1 against the Thunder. Following a lackluster 1st half with just 6 points on 4 field-goal attempts, Irving scored 14 in the 2nd half to do all he could to will the Mavericks to victory. Unfortunately for Irving, Luka Doncic looks hobbled and the Thunder are loaded at the role-player positions.
From afar, Doncic doesn’t look healthy. He was grimacing early in the game and was getting blitzed on every ball screen. He is getting hounded on defense by Luguentz Dort — an elite perimeter defender. Doncic will give all he can to prevent the Mavericks from dropping both games in Oklahoma City, but I’m banking on Irving to lead the Mavericks tonight and eclipse his point total of 23.5.
