The Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics will play Game 3 of the NBA Finals this Wednesday from TD Garden at 9:00 PM ET on ABC. The Celtics come into the game as 3.5-point favorites.
Why Golden State can cover
Golden State can buck the trend of lopsided playoff losses we’ve seen this Spring and keep this game close. It will prove to be difficult as the Warriors will be entering one of the most hostile environments in all of sports. The Warriors have the experience to do it, and after an authoritative Game 2 win, they will carry some momentum into Boston.
Stephen Curry was on his way to delivering a show after another fast start in Game 2. If there’s any time to bet on the Chef Curry, it’s now. Curry’s point total sits at 28.5 (-118) for Game 3, and he’s hit this number in each of the first two games. Barring a blowout, Curry’s scoring and three-point ability will be worth betting on from here on out.
Klay Thompson couldn’t get anything going at the Chase Center, but the sharpshooter is due for an outburst of some sort. His point total sits at 19.5 for Game 3. Loyal Klay bettors have experienced some ups and downs this postseason, and while betting against him on the road may seem appealing here, keep in mind it’s only a matter of time before he shakes this slump. The ultimate pick your poison plater.
More Golden State Props To Play
Andrew Wiggins o16.5 PTS (-110) - Aside from Game 2’s poor shooting night, Wiggins has been very consistent this postseason from a scoring standpoint. The former No. 1 overall pick has hit this number in five of his last seven games, and continues to see the volume to hit this manageable number.
Jordan Poole o12.5 PTS (-115) - Another manageable spot for a key Golden State player here. He’s hit this number in five of his last seven games. We’ve seen the Warriors spark plug come up short before, but the volume should be there in Game 3.
Stephen Curry o4.5 3PM (+105) - He’s hit this number in four of his last six games, and again, if there’s any time to bet on Chef Curry, it’s now. Stephen Curry should come out firing in Boston and it looks favorable for him to his this number.
Andrew Wiggins o1.5 3PM (-125) - Back for more from Andrew Wiggins, as the former KU swingman finds himself with another straight forward prop. Wiggins has hit a pair of threes in each of the first two Finals games and he’s taken five or more threes in six of his last eight games, so the volume has been there. Will he hit? That’s the question and is a bet I am fully willing to make.
Why Boston can cover
It’s been twelve long years since one of the most storied franchises in all of sports has hosted a NBA FInals game and if Boston can come out and play off of the energy in TD Garden, Ime Udoka’s team walking away with a 2-1 lead is very possible.
Jayson Tatum bounced back with a team-high 28 points in Game 2, and it just feels like he’s going to deliver a signature playoff performance in one of these two home games. Tatum hit six threes last time out, and we like that momentum carrying into Game 3. Tatum has knocked down four or more threes in three of the last four games, and his over 3PM of 3.5 (+115) looks appealing here.
Jaylen Brown gives Boston arguably the best 1-2 punch in the league, as he’s really come into his own as a strong two-way threat this season. Brown's scoring may continue to take a hit here in the Finals, but his three-point prop of over 2.5 (-134) feels very reachable, and could cash for the third game in a row.
More Boston Props To Play
Marcus Smart o3.5 REB (-148) - Smart’s activity on the glass could continue here, as he has hit this number in nine of his last ten games. His Rebound/Assist prop is certainly worth a look as well.
Al Horford o1.5 3PM (-114) - After hitting six threes in his first NBA Finals game, Horford failed to attempt one in Game 2. That will likely change heading back to Boston, and the volume should be there.
Jayson Tatum o4.5 AST (-132) - Jayson Tatum has grown into a solid facilitator this season, and he’s the Celtics secondary ball handler behind Marcus Smart, who continues to have his hands full with Stephen Curry. Look for Tatum to hover and cover this number throughout the Finals, as he has in six of his last eight games.
The pick: Boston 1Q -1.5
