Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1: Top NBA Finals Prop Odds & Picks for Thursday, June 2 (2022)
The Boston Celtics will take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. The Warriors have all of the experience after already winning three championships with their core. Meanwhile, the Celtics have a rich history of success but don’t have any championship appearances with their core.
The Warriors were able to rest up after winning the Western Conference Finals in five games. On the other hand, the Celtics needed seven games to defeat the Miami Heat. Some believe that fatigue could play a factor in Game 1, however, both teams have been given ample time to recover from the other series. I’m not buying it.
What about you?
Here are our top three props for the first game of the NBA Finals.
Celtics vs. Warriors: Stephen Curry Over 4.5 Rebounds
Stephen Curry has been much more aggressive on the glass in the playoffs. In Game 5 against the Mavericks, he only earned three rebounds but in the series, he averaged 6.6 rebounds per game.
Against the Grizzlies, in the series prior, he added 4.8 rebounds per game. Of course, the Mavericks take a lot of three-point shots and that allowed Curry to get long rebounds. But the Celtics will shoot from deep as well and have their moments in this game where they’ll miss at a higher rate.
That will allow Curry to earn enough rebounds to get over on his rebound prop.
Bet: Stephen Curry Over 4.5 Rebounds (-142 via FanDuel)
Celtics vs. Warriors: Draymond Green Over 5.5 Assists
Draymond Green averaged seven assists per game last season. As long as he’s getting his usual minutes, Green will light up the box score with a near triple-double every time. That includes assists, where he added nine assists in the previous game against the Mavericks. He also had six in the game prior to that.
Green averaged six assists against Memphis and 5.6 assists against Dallas in their series’. He had foul trouble and was ejected from a game.
Even with that, he still averaged more assists than needed for this prop. Green won’t make silly decisions in the NBA Finals.
Bet: Draymond Green Over 5.5 Assists (-144 via FanDuel)
Celtics vs. Warriors: Marcus Smart Over 3.5 Rebounds
Marcus Smart was practically injured throughout the last series against the Heat. But when he was on the floor, he was making a huge impact. Smart averaged 6.2 rebounds per game while playing 36.4 minutes a night, when active.
With a week’s worth of rest for Smart, he’ll make just as big of an impact in Game 1 for the Celtics. He’s a terrific defender that will likely earn a lot of rebounds off missing from Curry, who he’ll be guarding.
Bet: Marcus Smart Over 3.5 Rebounds (-152 via FanDuel)
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