It all comes down to this. With the NBA Finals starting on Thursday, how will the league’s annual crescendo hit? Ahead of Celtics vs. Mavericks, Brad Evans attempts to slam dunk the sportsbooks with series-related wagers. Fade or follow — that’s up to you!
The pick — Luka Doncic to win NBA Finals MVP (+205, DraftKings)
DraftKings offers:
When asked what reaching the NBA Finals meant to him, Doncic responded with an answer educators promptly applauded.
Reporter: “Growing up watching the NBA Finals late at night, what does it mean to you to reach this point?”
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 1, 2024
Luka Doncic: “I didn’t watch cause it was 4 in the morning and I had school the next day.” 😭
(Reddit u/Accurate-Albatross34) pic.twitter.com/NKoYfbu0tm
Given the seven-hour time difference from Dallas, the Slovenian had a spot-on reaction.
Whether in the classroom or on the court, Doncic has schooled fools at all levels. And in the biggest moment of his career, it’s highly unlikely The Don will suddenly fizzle.
As usual, Doncic has been killing it across the board this postseason. He’s done it all for the Mavericks, leading the team in points (28.8 per game), rebounding (9.6) and assists (8.8). Against Minnesota in the Western Conference finals, Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists and shot an impressive 43.4% on three-pointers.
Six of Doncic’s nine career playoff triple-doubles have come during this run to his first Finals. Taking home the Bill Russell Award as the series’ most valuable player is a near certainty for the five-time All-Star if Dallas conquers Boston.
NBA postseason record: 12-24, -10.08 units