The Dallas Mavericks are back in the NBA Finals, looking for the franchise’s second championship. As has been the case for most of the playoffs, the Mavericks will hit the road for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics in the Finals. Here’s a look at some of our favorite player props for Dallas in this series opener, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Luka Doncic over 49.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)
Doncic has been on fire in the playoffs, averaging 28.8 points, 8.8 assists and 9.6 rebounds per game. He’s logged a triple-double in six of the 17 postseason contests so far, and he’s a strong bet on that prop as well at +350. However, I do like the PRA number even though 50+ means there can’t be any slippage from the Mavericks superstar. Doncic has pushed his scoring average up to 31.7 points per game over the last seven games and his rebounding has been great despite the efforts of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively. I say he has a big effort in his first-ever Finals game.
Kyrie Irving over 2.5 3-pointers (+100)
One of two things can happen in Irving’s return to Boston. He either goes off for a huge scoring night or falls flat in the hostile environment which will surely target him. In either situation, the veteran point guard should be able to have some success from behind the arc. Irving is shooting 42.1% from behind the arc in the playoffs and has gone over this line in three of the last four games. He’s topped this mark in 10 of the 17 postseason contests, with a string of overs coming early against the Clippers and lately against the Timberwolves. Even if he struggles in Game 1 overall, Irving should be able to can at least three triples.
Dereck Lively under 7.5 rebounds (-130)
Lively has been awesome in the playoffs. The rookie, who is a product of Dallas’ tanking last season, has come alive late in the postseason. He’s averaging 8.8 rebounds per game over the last eight games and has kept many possessions alive for Dallas. However, I think the return of Kristaps Porzingis along with Doncic’s stellar production on the glass will be enough to push Lively under this line. The rookie won’t shy away from the spotlight of the Finals but there’s a lot of action on the glass and I think he’ll have a down showing.