2024 NBA playoffs: Bets, lines and stats for Saturday - ESPN

The first round of the NBA playoffs continues on Saturday with four games. But perhaps the most interesting game is between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. The Heat stepped up in Game 2 and considering the history between these two teams, I'm curious how the Celtics will respond in Game 3. There's two prop bets from this game that I like in addition to two from the other games.

Let's get into it.

New Orleans Pelicans (+1.5) over Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Pelicans are already reeling because of the loss of Zion Williamson and will desperately want to avoid going down 0-3 against a talented Thunder team. New Orleans is 20-11-1 against the spread when labeled an underdog by one point or more this season. The Pelicans will desperately want to avoid another rout like in Game 2 and should take care of business on their home court.

Jayson Tatum over 26.5 points.

The Celtics should be eager to bounce back in Game 3, especially with Jimmy Butler trolling Boston on Instagram after their loss in Game 2. I'm sure the Celtics have not forgotten about losing to the Heat in seven games in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. Tatum has cleared this line only once in his last five games, but it's imperative he steps up in this game, and I believe he will.

Nikola Jokic over 49.5 points, rebounds and assists.

Jokic has had an epic series, and with Jamal Murray's shaky play, the Nuggets will want to close this series as soon as possible, especially against the LeBron James and Anthony Davis-led Lakers. He has cleared 49.5 points, rebounds and assists in two of the three games so far. Jokic has also eclipsed this line in four out of six games against the Lakers this season.

LeBron James over 43.5 points, rebounds, and assists.

James