The Celtics cruised to victory in Game 1 with a well-rounded offensive effort from the full team, including a great showing from Kristaps Porzingis, who returned after not playing for more than a month. They were also able to hold the Mavericks to a postseason low of 89 points. That was thanks in large part to how well they were able to defend Kyrie Irving.
Now that the first game is in the books and fans have seen how the two teams match up, we’re taking a look at the best NBA player props for Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Below are the best options we found on BetMGM sportsbook for Sunday’s matchup.
Mavericks vs. Celtics Game 2 odds
Check out live odds for Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Mavericks vs. Celtics at the best online sports betting sites.
Now, let's get to our favorite player props for Game 2.
Top player props and picks for Mavericks vs. Celtics Game 2
We are targeting Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and PJ Washington in Game 2 on Sunday night.
Jayson Tatum Under 26.5 points
In Game 1, the combination of Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington proved to be too much for Tatum. He finished the game with 16 points on 37.5% shooting from the field, marking the fifth time this postseason he has shot less than 40% from the field. Not only have the Mavericks' two best defenders made it difficult for opposing stars this season, but Tatum has struggled significantly on his own.
During his current 15-game stretch, he is shooting 43.8% from the field and 29.9% from deep. His current three-point percentage would be a career low if it continues. As for his field goal percentage, he has only shot 45% or better from the field twice in his seven-year career. Given his struggles this time of the year, shorting him makes a lot of sense.
Luka Doncic Under 8.5 assists
Doncic was the lone bright spot for the Mavs offensively in Game 1. He finished with 30 points on 46.2% from the field. However, he had to work significantly for his points. The Celtics did a masterful job at not letting Doncic find his big man for easy lobs at the rim off of pick-and-roll action. That led to him being more of a scorer than facilitator, which didn’t allow Dallas to get into its offense.
Doncic finished Game 1 with just one assist, which was his season low in both regular and postseason play. The Mavs will certainly adjust, but the Celtics own one of the best defenses as well and had a dominating showing at the rim. Given how well they protected the paint in Game 1, we’re recommending taking Doncic on the under for this line.
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Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 rebounds
Although he is struggling from the field, Tatum has thrived on the glass in the postseason. So far, he is hauling in 10.4 boards per game. Last year, he hauled in 10.5 per game in 20 contests. Only in three games this season has he registered nine or less rebounds. In Game 1, he finished with 11.
The Mavs are focused on putting opposing teams’ big men in the high-pick-and-roll to create mismatches for Doncic to take advantage of offensively. That usually means Al Horford and Porzingis are out on the perimeter when Dallas is getting shots up. It’s Tatum's job on the back end to clean up those rebounds, and he is thriving in that role.
Although it was a great defensive effort from Boston to keep Dallas to a season low, don’t expect the Mavs to go away from what got them here due to one loss. That creates many opportunities for Tatum to cover this line.
PJ Washington Over 11.5 points
Although the drop-off is significant in scoring ability, after Doncic and Irving, Washington is the Mavs’ most consistent scorer. He is averaging 13.7 points on 35% from deep in the postseason. In Game 1, he finished with 14 points on 11 field goal attempts. With the amount of attention Doncic and Irving are getting, Washington must step up to create more offense.
So far, he has been able to deliver when needed. In three consecutive matchups, he was able to score 20 plus points against OKC when Doncic was hobbled, and the Mavs needed more scoring. He has shown flashes of brilliance from beyond the arc that makes him a live wire in any game. That includes three straight games with five or more makes from deep in the OKC series. His point total is low enough in Game 2, and the odds make this a favorable wager.
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