Things are heating up in the Eastern Conference Finals as the once left for dead Boston Celtics are two games away from completing NBA history and rallying from down 3-0 to win the series.
You can check out our betting preview here, but this is going to focus on player props for both sides, including Jaylen Brown’s impact, Grant Williams emerging role and an underrated part of Max Strus’ game.
NBA player props for Celtics-Heat
- Jaylen Brown UNDER 32.5 Points, Rebounds, Assists (-128)
- Grant Williams OVER 7.5 Points (-113)
- Max Strus OVER 3.5 Rebounds (+124)
Jaylen Brown UNDER 32.5 Points, Rebounds, Assists
Brown has gone under in every game since Game 1 and I’m not sure we see an uptick in efficiency in Game 6. There have been constant reports of his lingering hand and elbow injuries suffered over the past two months and the Celtics have found its best offense with the ball in Jayson Tatum’s hands.
Brown is averaging less than seven potential assists outside of Game 1 and slightly over seven rebound chances, so he needs to carry this prop by putting up a ton of points, but with the lowest total of the series (210.5) and the Celtics rolling without Brown taking over the game, I believe we see his numbers continuing to remain down.
Grant Williams OVER 7.5 Points
One person that has came on as the series has progressed has been Williams, who didn’t even play in Game 1, but now is an integral part of Boston’s success.
He has played at least 25 minutes and taken at least four shots in the last four games while going over this points prop in three of four. Game 5 was his lowest output of the series, scoring only six points on four shots in 26 minutes, but I expect Joe Mazzulla gives Williams plenty of run in Game 6.
This prop continues to not adjust fast enough despite Williams playing plenty, he’s a threat to score double digits.
Max Strus OVER 3.5 Rebounds
Strus has had plenty of chances this series to get rebounds, he’s averaging nearly eight per game this series, but has only grabbed less than four, which is heavily influenced by his seven rebound Game 5. He hasn’t gone over 3.5 in any other game this series, but I’m going to trust the underlying metrics and take advantage of the plus money prop.
He is averaging over 29 minutes per game this series and his floor spacing is key for the Heat’s offense. However, with the total dropping, expect more rebound chances to go around, so I’m banking on a drop in offensive efficiency on both sides and Strus’ volume of minutes to send him over this number.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
