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Nets vs. Celtics pick against the spread, best player prop for Game 3

We go over some of the best betting options for the NBA first round 2021 NBA playoff matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics on Friday.

 Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots as Aaron Nesmith #26 of the Boston Celtics defends during the second half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets shoots as Aaron Nesmith of the Boston Celtics defends during the second half of Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics head to Beantown after two dominant performances from Brooklyn at home. Kevin Durant looks like the superstar he was prior to his injury and James Harden has acclimated well in Brooklyn. The Celtics have struggled to keep pace with Brooklyn offensively and may be without Kemba Walker in Game 3 after already losing Jaylen Brown in the regular season.

Nets vs. Celtics, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Pick ATS: Nets -7.5 (-110)

The Nets are dominating offensively and finally seem to have their rhythm after a rough start to Game 1. The shot distribution could still be better, but Durant, Harden and Irving are fitting into their roles nicely. Joe Harris broke out in Game 2 and Brooklyn’s supporting cast should continue to get more involved as the Nets prepare for stiffer challenges. Take Brooklyn to cover the spread here.

Player Prop: James Harden over 2.5 3-pointers (+110)

Harden was attempting 7.8 triples per game prior to his lengthy absence in the regular season, but has taken eight attempts in each game against Boston. He’s yet to have a monster game for Brooklyn in this series, so Game 3 seems like his night. The volume will be there and Harden’s career percentages from deep give him a good chance to hit the over.

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