The NBA playoffs are always wild, wacky and filled with knife-thick drama. With players putting everything on the line in an attempt to bask in championship glory, naturally, the pressure-packed games are tremendously fun to wager on. As a result, the sportsbooks offer many creative ways to enhance the action. What is Brad’s wager in Game 3 of Celtics-Cavaliers? Check out his leans below.
The pick — Jayson Tatum UNDER 37.5 points + rebounds (-110, DraftKings)
DraftKings offers:
Forget two scoops at the local Baskin Robbins. Boston’s favorite dessert is of the soft serve variety.
Squashy, sloppy and slushy in Game 3, the Celtics earned NO SPRINKLES in their 118-94 loss to Cleveland. They were outrebounded by 13, even with Jarrett Allen still sidelined with bruised ribs, and they were blitzed from three by the Cavaliers, surrendering 46.4% shooting (13 for 28).
Also ice cold along the perimeter in converting just eight triples on 35 attempts (22.9%), the East’s heavy favorite, humbled dramatically by the woeful performance, suddenly appeared vulnerable.
Just a temporary Boston meltdown? That’s the nut that fans, insiders and bettors are all trying to crack.
Tatum’s props are inflated more than this writer’s waistline after platefuls at the local Mongolian barbecue. In reference to points plus rebounds, he’s yet to reach 38 in each of his seven postseason appearances. In fact, he’s averaged 31.7 combined in the category. Equally promising, he’s hit the under in two of five total matchups against the Cavs this season.
Even if Allen misses yet another game, Tatum is unlikely to ignite. He should squeeze another 8-10 boards, but netting only 38.9% from the floor in the series, he’ll doubtfully channel Larry Bird on Saturday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Cleveland, No. 5 in points per possession allowed in the playoffs, is a stingy defensive team. Given its guarding ability, home-court advantage and Tatum’s string of unspectacular results, the recommended prop becomes all the more attractive.
Grab a cone, pull the lever and lick to your heart’s content.
NBA postseason record: 8-17, -7.73 units