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We’ve made it. NBA fans and bettors waited 7 days from the Conference Finals to the NBA Finals. Now that it’s here, we’ll have player props and much more for every game of this highly anticipated series between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. For now, let’s dive into our best NBA player prop bets for Game 1 between the Mavericks and Celtics on Thursday, June 6th. On top of that, keep an eye on our NBA picks for predictions on the side and total of EVERY NBA Finals matchup.
Jrue Holiday, BOS, Over 4.5 assists (-125)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Jrue Holiday will likely be the X-Factor in this series for the Boston Celtics. Not only defensively, where he’ll most likely be shadowing Kyrie Irving, but also his playmaking. The Mavericks may have difficulty defending the Celtics’ stretch bigs in Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford — even with 2 athletic rim protectors in Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Holiday has a great opportunity to create for others, as he did in the 2 matchups against the Mavericks earlier this season. He recorded 6 and 7 assists, with the 7-assist game coming with a fully healthy Celtics starting 5.
Expect Holiday to log 38-42 minutes in Game 1, barring foul trouble. He will be needed on defense, while backup guard Payton Pritchard should get exposed on that end and could see his minutes shrink – especially with Game 2 not until Sunday.
Read our full Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Game 1 predictions
Jayson Tatum, BOS, Under 42.5 points+rebounds+assists (-106)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Some may consider fading a superstar in Game 1 of the NBA Finals a crime, but not me. Jayson Tatum has been heavily scrutinized this postseason leading up to the Finals — which I don’t necessarily agree with. Nonetheless, the matchup against a loaded and inspired Mavericks defense with the length and size to defend Tatum, both on the perimeter and paint, leads me to believe he may struggle to eclipse this high total.
The volume has not been a question for Tatum this postseason. He’s averaging over 20 field-goal attempts per game while stuffing the stat sheet in the last 2 games against the fast-paced but defensive-lacking Indiana Pacers. The Mavericks have the bodies and scheme to combat Tatum. They may elect to let Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis beat them from three-point range, or even Derrick White off the dribble. But expect Derrick Jones, P.J. Washington and company to give Tatum fits.
Now find out our Mavericks vs Celtics Same Game Parlay picks at +638 odds for Game 1 of the NBA Finals!
