NBA Finals G3: Celtics-Mavericks Preview, Props, Trends
Wed Jun 12 12:44pm ET
Field Level Media
The NBA Finals enters a pivotal Game 3 with two distinct possibilities: the Boston Celtics take a commanding 3-0 lead and inch closer to the franchise's first title since 2008, or the Dallas Mavericks show some life and start to turn the tide of what has been a one-sided series so far.
TRENDING
The Mavericks are favorites at home despite opening the Finals with a pair of one-sided losses. That's due in part to the series shifting to Dallas and in large part to a key injury facing Boston.
Dallas is a 2.5-point favorite at BetRivers, where the Mavericks have been backed by 60 percent of the spread-line money. Their -137 moneyline also has drawn 67 percent of the money and 63 percent of the total bets.
Meanwhile, the 213-point Over/Under has seen the Over backed by 67 percent of the money.
PROP PICKS
--Kyrie Irving Over 23.5 Points (-110 at DraftKings): Irving has struggled through the first two games of the series, averaging just 14.0 points on 35.1 percent shooting from the floor. However, he averaged 25.6 points per game for the season, and Dallas' season is essentially on the line Wednesday night. This has been the most popular player total point prop at the book ahead of Game 3.
--Luka Doncic Over 3.5 3-Pointers Made (-190 at BetRivers): This has garnered the most player prop tickets at the book with 4.1 percent. Doncic made four three-points in each of the first two games of the series and has made at least four in six consecutive postseason games.
THE NEWS
The Celtics have proven to be the deeper, more talented team early on. Boston has been winning despite struggling on the offensive end such as shooting just 10 of 39 (25.6 percent) from 3-point range in Game 2.
The Mavs, meanwhile, can't rely solely on Doncic, who posted a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 2, a 105-98 loss at Boston. Doncic put together that performance after being listed as questionable for the game. It was revealed that he sustained a chest injury in Game 1 to go along with lingering issues with his right knee and left ankle.
Doncic, who is probable for Game 3, addressed his status on Tuesday, saying: "I feel good. I don't want to get in any more details, but I feel good."
The bigger question for the Mavs is finding a way to get Doncic's top running mate, Irving, going after a slow start. In the two games in Boston, Irving averaged just 14 points on a combined 13-for-37 shooting, including 0-for-8 from long range. If Dallas wants to get back in the series, Irving needs to find a way to make a greater impact.
"They're not going to stop pressing us, stop their pace, stop testing us on both ends of the floor," Irving said. "We know what we're in for. But now we have to raise it to an even higher level, and it starts with me."
Of course, that's easier said than done against a Boston defense that is dynamic and versatile. The Celtics have used multiple defenders to slow down the Mavs' backcourt with Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jayson Tatum all being options to provide different looks against Doncic and Irving.
INJURY REPORT
Boston center Kristaps Porzingis is hopeful he'll be able to play after sustaining a left leg injury late in Game 2. The Celtics announced it is unrelated to Porzingis' previous right calf injury. If Porzingis is cleared to play in Game 3, it would be his first appearance in Dallas since being traded by the Mavs in February 2022.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said the decision on Porzingis' status - listed Wednesday afternoon as questionable -- will come down to the medical staff.
"He's doing anything and everything he can to be ready for the game tomorrow. It's a serious injury," Mazzulla said. "At the end of the day, our team and the medical team is not going to put him in any bad situations."
KEY STAT
Boston is in the driver's seat based on league history, as 31 of 36 teams who had a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals went on to win it. So, what's the Celtics approach going into Game 3 as they look to extend their perfect road record in the playoffs to 7-0?
"Trying to be the hungrier team," Holiday said. "We're going to go out there and try and execute a game plan."
THEY SAID IT
"One game, I could explode. All the percentages and things like that could change. So, it's just that mindset of I'm one game away or whatever that means." --Tatum on his two sub-par shooting nights to begin the Finals.
-- Drew Davison, Field Level Media
- NBA roundup: Cavs stay perfect, stun Nets for 11-0 start
- Grizzlies star Ja Morant (hip) out multiple weeks
- Suns star F Kevin Durant (calf) out two-plus weeks
- Pelicans star Zion Williamson (hamstring) out indefinitely
- NBA roundup: Cavs rout Warriors for 10-0 start to season
- Raptors G Ja'Kobe Walter (shoulder) out at least a week
- Pelicans G Jordan Hawkins (back) out 1-2 weeks
- Bronny James expected to make G League debut on Saturday
- NBA roundup: Big names help Bucks end losing streak
- 76ers G Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) out weeks
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- No hard feelings for 76ers' Paul George as he plays against Clippers
- Jazz F Taylor Hendricks (leg) undergoes season-ending surgery
- 76ers star Joel Embiid suspended 3 games for shoving writer
- Nuggets F Aaron Gordon (calf) expected to miss multiple weeks
- NBA continues tradition of Election Day pause
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- Nuggets F Aaron Gordon (calf) ruled out vs. Raptors
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Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game in Milwaukee. He's missed the C's previous four contests with a hip flexor strain, so his injury designation at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. Brown has had another quality season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. With numbers like that, the 28-year-old should be starting in all fantasy formats, even if there's a chance he plays limited minutes in his first game back. But if Brown doesn't return on Sunday, Payton Pritchard, coming off a 20-point showing in Friday's overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets, could continue to surpass his usual production expectations.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (ankle) won't play on Sunday in Minnesota. It's still a relatively new season. However, the veteran is back on the injury report because of a sprained ankle, an injury he suffered in Friday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Fortunately, Tyler Herro (back) is available, which will help lessen the blow caused by Butler's absence. Of course, Bam Adebayo could also see more scoring chances, with Terry Rozier, Josh Richardson, Nikola Jovic, and possibly Jaime Jaquez Jr. (illness) in line to surpass expectations until Butler returns.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable heading into Sunday's meeting with the visiting Celtics. The multi-time All-Star missed a recent contest against the Cavaliers because of a groin issue. However, he's been on the floor the last two games, so he'll likely be out there versus the defending champs. As always, fantasy managers should keep him starting.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's matchup versus the Rockets. The 21-year-old sprained his ankle in Wednesday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, ending his night after only seven minutes of action. He didn't suit up on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, resulting in Isaiah Stewart getting the start and finishing with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double with one block. Assuming Duren is absent again on Sunday, Stewart will be worth starting in all fantasy setups.
Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. He wasn't available for Friday's overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets because of a hamstring strain, resulting in Xavier Tillman Sr. getting the start. However, Tillman hasn't been productive all season, so fantasy managers should keep him out of their lineups. Instead, Neemias Queta, averaging 6.3 points and 5.6 boards, has streaming potential in deep fantasy setups if Kornet doesn't play.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (groin) is questionable to play in Sunday's matchup with the Nuggets. The multi-time All-Star amassed 30 points, seven assists, and seven boards in Friday's loss to the Suns. However, he popped up on the injury report because of a groin strain, so it's possible he won't be on the court on Sunday. If that's the case, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson should pick up most of the slack on the scoring end. In addition, Jaden Hardy could find himself in the starting lineup and be worth streaming in deeper fantasy setups.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) suffered a left calf strain in Friday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, he will miss at least two weeks before being re-evaluated. The 36-year-old continues to play well despite being in the league since 2007, averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.9% from behind the arc. The Suns are thin as it is, so losing a player of Durant's caliber is not good news for a team aspiring for a championship. While he is sidelined, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end. Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale could also surpass fantasy expectations at times until Durant returns.
Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (illness) will sit out Saturday's matchup against Atlanta. He has been ruled out for the contest after initially carrying a questionable tag. Craig was a regular in the Bulls rotation last season, but he's been limited to only two games and a handful of minutes in 2024-25. The veteran misses a second consecutive game due to an illness on Saturday and will get the next chance to return on Monday night versus Cleveland.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (knee) will be available for Saturday's matchup against Atlanta. The 24-year-old carries a knee problem, which has made him a regular on the injury report, but he's missed only one game this season. Working as the backup center, Smith has averaged 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 14.4 minutes. Atlanta tends to struggle against opposing centers, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points to the position this season; however, Smith is unlikely to see much action behind Nikola Vucevic.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine (adductor) will return from a three-game absence on Saturday versus Atlanta. The two-time All-Star has opened the campaign in fine form, averaging 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with 45.8 percent shooting from three-point range. Ayo Dosunmu's fantasy value takes a hit with LaVine's return, as he's been a member of the starting unit for the past three games. However, Dosunmu will still have a significant role to play in the rotation. Atlanta is ranked 25th in defensive efficiency, making this a good matchup for LaVine and the Bulls.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (hip) is considered week-to-week. The team announced Morant has been diagnosed with a posterior hip subluxation and multiple Grade 1 pelvic muscle strains. He will miss a second consecutive game on Sunday versus Portland. Memphis is also without Marcus Smart (ankle) and Desmond Bane (oblique), meaning the Scotty Pippen Jr. train is in full flow again. Making his first start of the campaign, Pippen Jr. produced his first career triple-double against Washington on Friday. As a result of the injuries, Jaylen Wells has also become a starter. Luke Kennard has just returned from injury and should get a chance to play a larger role as well.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) remains out for Saturday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. He's appeared in only two games this season, most recently finishing with 24 points and seven boards in the win over the Hornets on October 25. However, he hasn't been on the floor since, so Saturday will mark his ninth-consecutive absence. It's unknown when Hunter will be ready to return. But until he does, Zaccharie Risacher, averaging 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in eight starts this season, has a place in fantasy lineups.
Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) won't play in Saturday's game against the undefeated Cavaliers. He had one of his best games of the 2024-25 campaign in Friday's overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, amassing eight points, eight assists, six boards, and one steal. But as will be the case for Simmons for the foreseeable future, he won't play in back-to-back contests in an effort to preserve his health. Noah Clowney could see some action on Saturday night with Simmons off the floor. However, Clowney has averaged just 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds this season, giving him little value for fantasy managers.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) is expected to make his 2024-25 debut on Monday against Brooklyn. The 24-year-old, who recently signed a four-year, $112 million extension, averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 38.0% shooting from behind the arc last season. Unfortunately, he hasn't played yet this season because of a hamstring injury. Without question, this is certainly excellent news for the Pelicans, considering the team is without Dejounte Murray (hand), Zion Williamson (hamstring), and CJ McCollum (adductor). While Murphy could see limited time on the floor for a few games, it shouldn't take him long to enter the starting lineup, where he should remain until Murray, Williamson, and McCollum return.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) is out indefinitely, the team announced on Saturday. The 24-year-old has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks this season. However, he's been limited to only six games. Fantasy managers remember when a hamstring injury forced the former Duke Blue Devil for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign, so there is obvious concern. Hopefully, that won't be the case this time around. With Williamson sidelined moving ahead, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, averaging 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in two starts this season, could continue to fill the void in the rotation, at least until Trey Murphy III (hamstring) or Herbert Jones (shoulder) are back on the court.
Los Angeles Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 116-106 win over the 76ers on Friday, Nov. 8.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 135-122 win over the Heat on Friday, Nov. 8.
Memphis' G Scotty Pippen Jr. recorded a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 128-104 win over the Wizards on Friday, Nov. 8.
Detroit Pistons' G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 122-121 win over the Hawks on Friday, Nov. 8.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (foot) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid season, averaging a career-high in 68 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a stress fracture late in March and has been working his way back since. Without question, Vassell has untapped potential. While there's an excellent chance he'll be even more productive during the 2024-25 campaign, it could take him a few weeks to get back up to speed. With that said, It's unknown if Vassell will come off the bench or start in his first game back, whenever that will be. But he will likely see limited minutes, meaning Stephon Castle, coming off a 14-point, six-assist showing, could see at least a few more starts.
