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
- Bulls, Thunder complete Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade
- Malik Monk staying with Kings on 4-year deal
- Bulls swap G Alex Caruso for Thunder G Josh Giddey
- Lakers to hire JJ Redick as next coach
- Bulls seeking to trade Zach LaVine before draft
- Gary Payton II opts into player option with Warriors
- Billionaire Julia Koch buys share of Nets, Liberty
- Pistons fire Monty Williams with nearly $65M left on deal
- Pacers, Pascal Siakam agree to 4-year, $189.5 deal
- Celtics celebrate, confident championship window is wide open
- Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla to have knee surgery
- Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis to have surgery on ailing leg
- Jeff Van Gundy to join Clippers coaching staff
- Sportsbooks establish Celtics as favorites for 2025 title
- Hawks GM says team won’t trade out of No. 1 pick
- Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis available for Game 5 of NBA Finals
- Down 3-1, Mavs striving to make history against Celtics
- Charles Barkley to retire from television after 2024-25
- Joel Embiid (knee) anticipates playing in Olympics
- Celtics C Kristaps Porzingis (leg) available for Game 4 of Finals
The Denver Nuggets have declined the team option of forward Vlatko Cancar (knee). The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL last summer and underwent surgery. As a result, he wasn't available for the Nuggets in 2023-24. Cancar has averaged only 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds during his career but was in line for an increased role ahead of last season. With that said, Denver may offer him a new minimum contract, so there's a good chance Cancar remains with the Nuggets. However, he won't see much fantasy interest unless he gets routine minutes, regardless of the team he's on.
According to SNY's Ian Begley, several teams have "checked in" on Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. The veteran finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He also shot a career-high 40.2% from behind the arc. Without question, Grant would bolster a starting lineup for any club. However, he hasn't logged more than 63 games in any of the previous four seasons, which makes him a risky investment for teams. The same is true for fantasy managers.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, contract talks between guard Klay Thompson and Golden State are "frozen." While the Warriors have the luxury of negotiating a new deal right now, there hasn't been any movement. As a result, Slater indicated that Thompson's exit from Golden State "feels closer and more probable than ever before." The 34-year-old spent time between the starting lineup and a bench role during the 2023-24 campaign. As such, Thompson's statistical contributions regressed from a season ago, and he finished the year by averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 38.7% from behind the arc. At any rate, there are rumblings he could end up in Orlando, a team that has expressed interest. But since there "has been no traction" between both sides, other clubs with money this offseason could enter the equation.
According to Nick Moyle of The San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Jeremy Sochan (ankle) was cleared to resume basketball activities and is currently training with the Polish national team ahead of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The 2022 No. 9 overall pick had a decent sophomore season, averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. However, he was limited to 74 games because of ankle surgery. Sochan has several areas that need to be addressed, with his three-point shooting being one of them. But his usage rate could improve if he remains a primary ball-handler, and his involvement in the offense could increase if the Spurs move on from Keldon Johnson this offseason.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to trade guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. The 32-year-old, who has one year left on his current deal, has averaged 14 points in the previous three seasons. However, he fell out of the rotation and logged just 12.7 minutes during the postseason. Although Hardaway isn't a reliable fantasy producer, he can get hot when given minutes. With that said, he's worth monitoring if he gets traded, especially if he gets consistent playing time for a new team.
According to Nick Moyle of The San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama has been working on his dribbling with the help of former player Jamal Crawford. The 20-year-old had a stellar inaugural campaign, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 1.6 steals. As a result, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year while earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. However, he had issues taking care of the ball, logging 3.7 turnovers per contest. Hopefully, Wembanyama's time with Crawford will help him improve. Either way, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick has top-10 fantasy potential in all formats for the 2024-25 season.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) is expected to resume basketball activities in the next two weeks. "I hate being around basketball and not being able to play," said Morant at his youth basketball camp. "I don't got too much longer. I can wait to make sure I'm able to play and be cleared when the season comes." The 24-year-old began the 2023-24 campaign, serving a 25-game suspension. He eventually returned, although he suffered a torn labrum that resulted in surgery after appearing in nine contests. But if Morant can stay out of trouble and remain healthy in 2024-25, he has top-10 fantasy potential in all formats.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely decline his player option if he doesn't agree on a contract extension with his current team. Haynes added that even if KCP declines, that doesn't necessarily mean he'll leave Denver. However, Caldwell-Pope will have a "plethora of teams at his doorstop" if he hits the open market. The 31-year-old has spent the last two seasons with the Nuggets, where he has been instrumental in the team's success. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 10.1 points and 1.3 steals while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc. With that said, if Caldwell-Pope stays in Denver, he'll have to fight with Nikola Jokic and the rest of the starters for scoring chances. Yet, if he lands on a new team for the 2024-25 season, his production could increase.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, impending free agent forward Tobias Harris is expected to receive "ample interest" from teams this offseason. Haynes mentioned Utah, Detroit, San Antonio, Dallas, and New Orleans as the clubs with the strongest chance of landing the veteran, adding that he doesn't "see a scenario where Tobias is back in Philly." Harris, the No. 19 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, has played for the Bucks, Magic, Pistons, Clippers, and most recently, the 76ers. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. Despite being in the league for well over a decade, the 31-year-old could remain a starter for whatever team he lands on. While he's past his prime, he still has a lot to offer fantasy managers, even more so due to his durability.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo.com, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson could be traded this offseason. Per Fischer, the Knicks "have contacted opposing teams about moving Mitchell." However, specific clubs weren't mentioned. The 2018 No. 36 overall pick has averaged 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in six seasons in New York. Yet, he has missed time over the years because of various ailments. With that said, Mitchell's defensive prowess should make him an attractive asset for category participants. But his inability to stay on the floor is an issue.
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez could find himself on a new team for the 2024-25 campaign. While it's unknown if the Bucks have engaged in official trade discussions with other clubs around the National Basketball Association, Jake Fischer of Yahoo.com reported that Milwaukee is "open to reshaping their roster" and is "gauging" Lopez's value. Despite his age, the 36-year-old is still productive, finishing his most recent season by averaging 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 36.6% from behind the arc. He's also appeared in 157 games in the last two seasons. Without question, Lopez will draw attention from teams looking for an upgrade underneath the rim. But regardless of where he ends up moving ahead, he could have at least one more quality season for fantasy managers.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Philadelphia 76ers interest in Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George has "waned in recent days." The 34-year-old, who can decline his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, was reportedly high on Philadelphia's wish list this offseason. While there's still a chance that both sides re-engage in discussions this summer, for now, the 76ers may look for alternatives on the open market. George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals last season. Even better, he appeared in 74 contests. Although his production has declined over the years, he's still a top fantasy option in all formats. That may not change for at least a few more seasons, regardless if he re-signs a massive extension with the Clippers or goes elsewhere.
Forward/center Drew Eubanks will decline his $2.6 million player option with the Phoenix Suns, meaning he'll be an unrestricted free agent. The 27-year-old appeared in 75 games for the Suns last season. However, he averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, his lowest marks in the previous few seasons. Eubanks also saw only 15 minutes per contest during the 2023-24 campaign. Yet, he'll have double-double upside if he can find minutes on a new team.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (knee) plans to sign a four-year, $78 million contract to remain with the team. The 26-year-old was in the running to win the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging career-highs in points (15.4) and assists (5.1). Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury near the end of the season and was limited to 72 games. Monk had logged 26.0 minutes per contest during the 2023-24 campaign. He should continue to see the floor as much, if not more, this season, so he'll have plenty of value for fantasy managers.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, OKC acquired guard Alex Caruso from Chicago in exchange for Josh Giddey. With Plenty of scorers on the Thunder's roster, the team needed to focus on upgrading things on the defensive end. Caruso obviously fits the bill, considering he is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the National Basketball Association. The 30-year-old finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging a career-high 10.1 points, adding 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks. Although Caruso's scoring numbers could drop on a team that features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he should continue to make a difference for category managers due to his defensive prowess.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls acquired guard Josh Giddey from OKC. In exchange, the Thunder received guard Alex Caruso. Chicago was expected to be active this offseason to bolster the roster. With Lonzo Ball (knee) still without a return timetable, the move was made to acquire a playmaker. Giddey just completed his third year of service in the National Basketball Association. However, he averaged career-lows in points (12.3), rebounds (6.4), and assists (4.8) while averaging only 25.2 minutes per contest. Without question, the door is open for the 21-year-old to see more scoring opportunities with the Bulls, so it's logical to assume he'll turn things around during the 2024-25 campaign. His statistical contributions could be greater if Chicago can't bring back DeMar DeRozan, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Pascal Siakam plans to sign a new maximum deal with the Indiana Pacers, worth $189.5 million over four years. The All-NBA forward is expected to sign the new contract once the league's free agency moratorium ends on July 6. After a mid-season trade from the Toronto Raptors, Siakam became a major part of Indiana's success, helping lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. In 41 regular season games with the Pacers, the 30-year-old averaged 21.3 points per game while shooting 55% from the field in 41 regular-season.
ESPN NBA reporter Kendra Andrews has reported that point Gary Payton II has chosen to remain in Golden State with the Warriors after opting into his $9.1 million player option for next year. The 31-year-old guard averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 56.3% from the field this past season. However, his health remains a concern. Payton only played in 44 games as several injuries forced him to be sidelined. He missed games in November and December with a calf strain, and then a hamstring strain cost him time in January and February. The Warriors hope to get more production from Payton moving forward.
According to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, his client won't suit up for the Suns this season on a minimum contract. Speculation began to swirl about the possibility of James playing in Phoenix after his son, Bronny James, worked out for the club. However, it appears even if the Suns select the 19-year-old in the 2024 NBA Draft, it won't be enough to coax his father into joining Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Without question, the multi-time All-Star is nearing the end of his career. Yet, despite injuries, he's still productive, finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-high 41.0% from deep. At any rate, James still needs to decline his $51.4 million player option to enter unrestricted free agency, with his decision expected to come soon.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Toronto Raptors are expected to pick up the team option of guard/forward Bruce Brown. The 27-year-old won an NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2022-23. However, after signing with the Indiana Pacers, he was dealt to Toronto ahead of the 2023-24 trade deadline. He appeared in 34 games for the Raptors, although his statistical contributions declined, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Nonetheless, the Raptors could end up trading him at some point during the 2024-25 campaign, potentially increasing his production.