NBA Finals betting: Odds, bets for Celtics-Mavericks Game 3 - ESPN

The 2024 NBA Finals shift to Dallas tonight for Game 3, with the Mavericks trying desperately to avoid a 3-0 series hole.

The Boston Celtics won the first two games comfortably, but will be dealing with injury as Kristaps Porzingis (lower leg) is questionable. Kyrie Irving has struggled in the Finals thus far and Mavericks as a whole have been ice-cold from 3-point range, but role players tend to play better at home.

So, what should we expect in Game 3? Let's dig in and identify some angles (and props) of interest.

Mavericks -2.5 points (-110).

Game 3 is a moment of truth for the Mavericks, and all signs would point to this being their best chance to break through for a win. Dallas was more competitive in Game 2 after getting blown out in the opener, and Luka Doncic was able to get his teammates more involved in the offense. At home, the Mavericks' role players are more likely to hit the open jumpers or get up a bit higher for the alley-oops than they were on the road. In addition, Irving get the opportunity to play away from the hostile Celtics crowd that might have affected him and should have the chance to get hot in front of his home crowd. Finally, Porzingis has been a huge difference-maker in the series, and if he is limited by his leg injury, it opens things up for the Mavericks to attack the rim while also taking away a layer of the Celtics' offense.

Jrue Holiday over 5.5 rebounds (-170).

While Jayson Tatum is the leading rebounder on the Celtics, Holiday has quietly been cleaning the glass as well from the backcourt. Holiday has averaged 6.7 RPG during the playoffs, but he has really picked it up of late. Holiday has averaged 9.3 RPG during his past four games with at least eight boards in all four. He has seven