After getting smoked in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics return to TD Garden for Game 5 with an opportunity to close out the Dallas Mavericks and secure an 18th title in front of their home fans. The Celtics would’ve liked to get a sweep but it became evident quickly in Game 4 that wasn’t going to happen. Boston got its key players some extra rest late in that game and will now hope to put forth a winning effort Monday night.
Here’s some of our favorite Celtics player props for Game 5 on Monday, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Jaylen Brown over 24.5 points (-115)
The star forward has actually only gone over this line once in four games, logging 30 points in Game 3. He has shot over 50% in every game outside of Game 4, which means he has a good opportunity to top this line as long as he gets enough volume. Brown is the favorite to win Finals MVP heading into Game 5 and should start out hot after his stinker in Game 4. I like him to take it upon himself to re-energize the Celtics in front of their home crowd and score 25+ points tonight.
Jayson Tatum over 2.5 3-pointers (-135)
Tatum is 2-2 to the over on this line in these Finals. Because his percentage from the perimeter has been down, him going over this prop will largely be dependent on volume. Tatum has attempted 31 triples over four games, but only took four in Game 4 thanks to limited playing time in a blowout. He’s good to attempt at least seven triples, and he’s bound to recover from a poor showing from behind the arc in Game 4. Despite shooting slightly better from deep on the road over the course of the regular season, I think Tatum cans a couple perimeter shots early in Game 5 and eventually goes over this line.
Jrue Holiday over 4.5 assists (-130)
It’s hard to get assists when your teammates aren’t hitting shots at their usual clip, which happened in Game 4 for the Celtics. Holiday has been dangerously close to going under this line more than over since he has logged exactly five assists five times in these playoffs. The veteran point guard has gone over this mark in exactly half of the team’s playoff games this postseason and at home, I’ll back him to keep setting up his teammates in favorable spots. Boston’s offense should bounce back from Game 4, and Holiday should go over on his assist prop as a result.