The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics will continue their second-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs with Game 2 Thursday evening. The Cavaliers will hope to turn things around after a rough loss in Game 1 and level the series, while the Celtics will look to take a 2-0 lead before the matchup shifts to Cleveland.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite player prop bets to target for Game 2 Thursday, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Jayson Tatum over 9.5 rebounds (-125)
Tatum’s offense has not been a major factor so far in these playoffs but the forward has done excellent work on the glass. With Kristaps Porzingis still sidelined, Tatum should continue to make his presence felt in that category. Boston’s star forward is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game in the postseason and has gone over this particular line in five of those contests. He should remain productive as a rebounder in Game 2.
Darius Garland over 1.5 3-pointers (-155)
Even though Cleveland’s young point guard has been under scrutiny for his lack of scoring, he’s been alright as a perimeter shooter. Garland is connecting on 37.2% of his triples, which is down from his season average but not abysmal. He hit two shots from the perimeter in Game 1 and will need to keep doing that if Cleveland wants a chance to win this game. I like him to go over this line Thursday.
Derrick White under 17.5 points (-110)
There’s a simple formula when it comes to most of White’s scoring props. If he’s connecting on threes, he’s going to go over his totals and if he isn’t, he’s going under. In the four games he has topped this mark, White has hit at least four triples. In the two postseason contests he went under, he hit two triples in each game. While I don’t think necessarily think he gets completely closed off as a scorer, at some point his perimeter shooting will drop off. I foresee that happening in Game 2 so I’ll take the under on his points prop.
Evan Mobley under 1.5 blocks (-118)
After tallying five blocks in Games 6 and 7 against the Magic, Mobley only managed one rejection in Game 1 against Boston. The Cavaliers big man has adapted well to his role as the primary center with Jarrett Allen out, but this is a completely different offense than what he faced against Orlando. The Celtics move the ball well and are more perimeter-oriented, making it harder to rack up rejections. I think Mobley stays under this line Thursday evening as Boston’s efficiency offensively continues.