The 2024 NBA Finals commence on Thursday, June 6 at TD Garden, and we've got a number of player props lined up for Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and visiting Dallas Mavericks featuring some of the biggest names of the series.
Here's a look at some of the more prominent player props to place your bets on for the best-of-seven series opener.
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Kyrie Irving Player Prop Today: UNDER 23.5 Points (-108)
Dallas' reward for eliminating the Association's top defense during the regular season in five games is now facing the second-best defense with a backcourt featuring a pair of players who both made the All-Defensive Second Team in Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. That could signal trouble for Kyrie Irving, as he'll be seeing much of those two up close and personal in the Finals.
Across Irving's last six appearances versus Boston as both a member of the Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets, the eight-time All-Star is only averaging 20.5 points with three games shooting worse than 40 percent from the field. Throughout this postseason, Irving also has yet to register consecutive games exceeding the 23.5-point mark set by oddsmakers for Thursday's action.
If that trend holds true, then considering he blew that number out of the water in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 36 points, Irving's offense should be kept in check for the most part by Boston's versatile defense in Game 1.
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Kristaps Porzingis Player Prop Today: OVER 15.5 Points (-128)
With Kristaps Porzingis reportedly set to return to the hardwood after being out of action since Game 5 of the opening round, it remains to be seen how much of the 7-footer we'll actually see as Celtics head coach Kristaps Porzingis reintegrates him back into the rotation.
When coming off an absence of at least two games in 2023-24, Porzingis averages 19 points in his first game back, so the time off may not affect his ability to score, but how far recovered he is from his calf injury and the minutes he gets as a result definitely will.
The plus money to finish with 15 points or fewer is calling, but considering the number of days between Finals games, there's a good chance Porzingis is going to receive a ton of reps early, especially when Dallas has rookie Dereck Lively II on the floor to counteract his length around the rim.
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Jayson Tatum Player Prop Today: UNDER 27.5 Points (-115)
Remember the 2022 NBA Finals? Jayson Tatum crossed the 27 threshold just once, while scoring 21.5 points per game on 36.7% shooting.
He'll be in tough to cash this prop after averaging just under 27 points a night through 14 playoff games. Tatum has steadily increased his assist numbers as teams double and look to force the ball out of his hands. With Kristaps Porzingis set to return to the floor, I love the value on Jayson Tatum UNDER 27.5 points in Game 1.
Derrick White Player Prop Today: OVER 4.5 Assists (-120)
Derrick White has been serving up the rock of late, dishing out at least 5 assists in four the last five games. He missed this prop by just one assist in the Eastern Conference Finals finale win over Indiana.
The Celtics employ way too many hot shooters for White to miss on this prop in Game 1. He's been an excellent facilitator for Boston all year long. I like that to continue against Dallas. Bet on White to have a big night as Boston aims to take control of the NBA Finals.
