NBA Finals Record: (-4.23 Units) — Betting 1 Unit to Win X

This season we are including our props that are also good to use in PrizePicks lineups from our Prop Department. I will be sticking to sides only after a rough Day 1. Let’s go!

• 7:00PM CST: Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics -7; Total 215

I will be the first one to say, I did not factor in the Bill Walton juice that would be in the building for the Celtics Game 1 performance. I mean that. That’s the type of atmosphere that can change an entire game. Credit to the Boston Celtics taking advantage of every open opportunity especially from 3PT range. They did not miss. The Celtics made their shots and the Mavericks could not hit the wide side of a barn.

Head coach of the Mavericks, Jason Kidd, began to play mind games by saying Jaylen Brown is the best player on the Celtics in hopes of throwing the Celtics off their game. Maybe Jayson Tatum will try to force some shots after hearing this. Maybe not. Again, Derrick White has shown he is probably the best player on the Celtics, at least in my opinion. How about Kristaps Porzingis? We know Game 1 meant a lot to him. Not only that, but I think we found out he may not have been as injured as Boston lead on. They didn’t need him until the Finals so Boston was able to hold him out this whole time.

Now, for the Dallas Mavericks. The just could not hit open shot. They would get the ball into the paint but could not convert. Early in that first quarter it looked like the Mavs were getting fouled when they drove the ball but couldn’t buy a call. The Celtics seemed to be getting those whistles. Dallas was able to muscle back and cut the 20+ point deficit to 9 points and it felt like they never scored again.

Boston hit their open shots. Dallas missed all of their open shots. Now, news came out that Luke is hurt and video showing Luka hold his ribs / stomach. I never fall for this news unless I see the injury occur during the game. I wouldn’t read very much into it. The Mavericks big men were dominated by the entire Celtics team. Dallas couldn’t grab any rebounds. Every player for Boston crashed the glass and they dominated the boards all game.

There is one encouraging note for Dallas after Game 1: the have played every Game 1 terribly. I expect a bounce back for Dallas. From Luka to Kyrie to the Bigs. I expect Jason Kidd to have better rotations as well. I’m not sure why he was giving early minutes to Jaden Hardy and Maxi Kleber. They haven’t played meaningful minutes all postseason. When he played his true rotations, the Mavs made that 3rd quarter comeback. I’m backing Dallas to even the series and steal home court.

Play: Mavericks (+220) [via DraftKings]

Play: Mavericks +7 (-110) [via DraftKings]

Prop: PJ Washington Points OVER 12.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]

Prop: Daniel Gafford Points OVER 7.5 (-105) [via DraftKings]

Prop: Luka Doncic Points, Rebounds & Assists OVER 49.5 (-115) [via DraftKings]

Prop: Jayson Tatum Points UNDER 27.5 (-120) [via DraftKings]

Future: Dallas to Win Series (+170) [via DraftKings]

Future: Dallas to Win Series (+310) [via DraftKings]