NBA Finals Props Bets Odds: Four Questions for Game 3

Using the NBA Finals Props bets and odds from the sportsbook, we ask four questions that could determine not only the outcome of Game 3 but the direction of the NBA Finals. In the last 39 NBA Finals, the team that wins Game 3 goes on to win the title 82.1 percent of the time. Boston is favored according to the NBA odds so can the home team “hold serve” and win? Let’s examine the questions.

Warriors vs Celtics Game 3 Info

• Matchup: Golden State Warriors (53-29) vs. Boston Celtics (51-31)
• Location: TD Garden, Boston
• Time: Wednesday, 9:00 P.M. ET
• Broadcast: ABC

Will Tatum Play Effectively?

If the Celtics are to win Game 3, Jayson Tatum will need to be positive on the court. He set a dubious record by registering a -36 plus-minus for Game 2 despite leading Boston with 28 points. But this is the second straight game in the series where Tatum has shot below his playoffs average of 43.3 percent. The forward will need to do better as Boston is just 4-5 in the playoffs when he shoots below his average.

Andrew Wiggins has done a tremendous job on Tatum. The Warriors’ forward has held Tatum to 5-of-15 shooting in the series. If Wiggins can continue limiting Tatum’s effectiveness, Boston will have a harder time defending home court and it will be up to Tatum’s teammates, who no-showed for Game 2, to step up.

Can Curry Stay Spicy?

The 2022 NBA Finals MVP odds have shortened a bit on Stephen Curry to win. The Warriors’ leading scorer was not as hot for Game 2 but still managed to score 29 points. He’s also averaging three steals a contest to just two turnovers. But both of his games have been at home where Golden State plays more effectively. Heading to Boston, Curry and the Warriors may not be as potent.

Still, the NBA Finals props bets and odds have Curry scoring around 28½ points and getting around 39½ combined points, rebounds, and assists. Boston has allowed the second-fewest points in the NBA at home along with the fewest assists. If Curry can maintain his averages in Boston, his case for Finals MVP becomes undeniable.

Which Celtics’ Supporting Stars Bounce Back?

Boston was blown out in Game 2 because three of their five starters scored two points. Yes, this isn’t a typo. Al Horford, Marcus Smart, and Robert Williams all made one field goal each. In fact, Horford and Smart both had more turnovers than field goals. The NBA Finals props bets and odds do have the duo having better performances if their average is accurate.

Horford is expected to score around 11½ points to go with 12½ rebounds and assists while Smart’s points is projected at 13½ and his assists are at 5½. Jaylen Brown scored 17 points in Game 2 but shot just 5-of-17 from the field, which was his worst shooting performance since Game 4 against Miami. He’s expected to score around 23½ points. If Boston’s supporting cast can produce again, their odds of winning should go up.

Which Team Plays Better in the Second Half?

Going by the props and odds for Game 3, the second half is once again going to be the pivotal point. The first half has usually been competitive. But in Game 1, it was the Celtics that outscored the Warriors 64-54 in the second half. In Game 2, Golden State ran away by outscoring Boston 55-38. One team has been shut down in the latter half hence, why the odds favor the first half to be higher scoring.

It’s also worth noting that the third quarter has been Golden State’s best quarter. The Warriors have averaged the most points in this quarter for the past two games but their fourth quarter has been their lowest-scoring. In Boston’s case, they have been outscored by an average of 17.5 points in the third. The first quarter has been the highest-scoring as both teams average 30+ or close to it.