The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks opened up the 2024 NBA Finals on Thursday Night. Game 1 saw Boston hold the Mavs to just 89 points as they cruised to a 1-0 lead. A strong effort at home was expected, but nobody expected that. If you’re saying you did, you’re lying. The Celtics were ecstatic to have Kristaps Porzingis back as he poured in 20 points. His return allowed Boston to spread their offense and rotate more smoothly on the defensive end. Heading into Game 2 Boston has all the momentum, while Dallas will be looking to pick it up. Game 2 will be played on Sunday and here are the best bets.
Bet #1: Luka Doncic to have O 49.5 PTS+RBS+AST @-115 on FanDuel
The Celtics held Doncic to just one assist in Game 1. It’s not likely that that will happen again. Doncic is averaging 48.4 on the combo in the playoffs this year. So hitting 49.5 in Game 2 would be likely. The Mavs need to do a better job to extend the series. They have to make their shots and shoot better from outside (25.9% in Game 1). I can’t recall a time that a team has shot that awful two games in a row.
Bet # 2: O 3.5 Made Threes for Derrick White @ +144 on FanDuel
White is averaging 3.4 threes made in the 2024 postseason. He made three 3-Pointers in Game 2. So it’s likely that he could hit four or more in Game 2. White has been a lights-out shooter from deep for the Celtics this season with a 39.6% clip in the regular season and a 40.4% clip in the postseason.
Bet # 3: O 6.5 Rebounds for Kristaps Porzingis @ +112 on FanDuel
Porzingis looked good in his first game back. Dallas had no answer for him as he came away with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Can he take that up a notch in Game 2? It might not be as easy for him on the offensive side. Jason Kidd will try to throw something at him, but the rebounds are one that he could probably repeat.
He averaged 7.9 rebounds during the regular season, so he’s capable of grabbing more than 6.
Bonus Bet: Kyrie Irving to score 25+ Points @ +140 on FanDuel
The Celtics were able to disrupt Kyrie on Thursday. He went 6-for-19 from the field, 0-for-5 from deep and only scored 12 points. It will be hard to keep him at bay two games in a row like that. Throughout his career, he’s averaging 23.1 points per game in the playoffs. This season, he averages 25.6 PPG. So holding him to under 25 two games in a row is a tough task, no matter who the Celtics throw at him.
Irving needs to adjust, he’s capable of that. He’s done that several times in his career. Need an example? Look at the series against Minnesota. Irving had a slow start in Game 3, then scored 33 points in the fourth quarter. Boston will certainly look to bottle up Doncic a little more on Sunday, which could create opportunities for the Mavs two-guard.
If the Mavs want to have a shot, Irving has to do a better job. He knows that, his team knows that, everyone knows that. I would expect him to put up at least 25 on Sunday.
TL//DR: Best Bets for Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals
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