The Celtics did their job in the first two games of the NBA Finals, defending homecourt to take a 2-0 lead. Responsibility now lies with the Mavericks to return serve in Dallas, and they’ll get their first chance to do just that in Game 3 on Thursday morning.
We bring you our best bet and Same Game Multi for Game 3 below, and be sure to head over to our NBA Tips page regularly as we’ll be providing full betting previews for each and every game of the NBA Finals!
2023-24 NBA Finals Betting Tips
Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks
American Airlines Center, Thursday 10:30am AEST
Series score: Boston Celtics lead 2-0
The Boston Celtics followed the script and defended homecourt in the opening two games of this best-of-seven finals series. Game 1 was a blowout (107-89) and Game 2 was close, but the experience and talent advantage of the Celtics shone through in the end (105-98).
Staring down the barrel of a 2-0 deficit, it may seem as though all is now lost for the Dallas Mavericks. However, you only have to look back as far as the 2020-2021 NBA Finals to see a team (Milwaukee Bucks) lose the first two games on the road but bounce back to win the championship (4-2 vs Phoenix Suns).
It’s certainly no easy feat erasing a 2-0 deficit, particularly against a powerhouse like the 2024 Celtics, although the task in front of the Mavericks has become a little bit easier with Kristaps Porzingis likely to miss on Thursday due to injury. Porzingis missed six weeks of the playoffs before finally returning for Game 1 of the finals, but has unfortunately suffered a “rare injury” to his left leg, which has the potential to not only sideline him for Game 3, but also the rest of the series.
Still, a lot more will need to go right for the Mavericks in Game 3 if they’re to come away with the desired result. Luka Doncic has been great in both games (30 & 32 points), but Kyrie Irving has been horrible (combined 13-37 FG, 0-8 3FG), and the rest of the supporting cast have barely made an impact.
It’s difficult to pick a winner in the H2H market and the current odds suggest that. However, the unders in the total points market certainly stands out as value on Thursday. The current line of 213.5 points hasn’t been close to hitting in the opening two games (196 & 203), and the unders has now hit in five straight finals game. As they say, the trend is your friend.
Under 213.5 Points
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare button below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Kyrie Irving 25+ Points – He’s burned me twice already but he surely has to respond at home. I’d be surprised to see him put in three straight poor performances on the big stage.
Derrick White 1+ Steal – This leg has been my bread and butter. He’s had nine steals over his last three outings and at least on steal in five of his last six games.
Jayson Tatum 10+ Rebounds – He’s had 10+ boards in seven of his last nine games and remains solid value. He should also get more opportunities to crash the glass with 7’3 Porzingis likely sidelined with injury.
SGM Odds: $3.60 at BoomBet
