The NBA Playoffs continue Thursday night with an Eastern Conference Finals showdown between the Heat and Celtics in Game 2. Miami was the first to draw blood in this series, beating Boston on Tuesday to take an early lead and emerge as the new series favorite at sportsbooks.
We’ve compiled a list of player props and same-game parlays for your wagering consideration and pleasure.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 2 Odds
The Heat have a 3.5- to 4-point edge over the Celtics in Game 2, per betting lines as of Thursday morning. Taking Miami to win the game outright would pay roughly 60 cents on the dollar. While Marcus Smart is probable to return from a foot sprain, Al Horford is doubtful to be released from health and safety protocols.
Celtics vs. Heat Game 2 Player Props
Jimmy Butler 30+ Points (+190, FanDuel); 35+ Points (+540); 40+ Points (+1500)
If you look at Butler’s scoring performances in these playoffs, you’ll notice an interesting trend. He has scored either under 24 points or over 31 points in all 11 games. That means if he’s feeling it, then oh baby, he’s feeling it. If he’s not, then you can expect a mediocre scoring night.
Jimmy Buckets tends to elevate his game to superstar level in the postseason. He’s averaging just below 30 points per game in these playoffs and has reached the 30-point mark in six contests.
If you believe that 30 points is chump change for Butler like I do, then you should consider backing a 30- or maybe even 40-piece from the Heat’s go-to bucket-getter. He has hit 35-plus points in four games and 40-plus in three games.
Robert Williams III ‘Over’ 9.5 Points (+105, BetMGM)
Robert Williams III took full advantage of Horford’s absence – who was scratched from Game 1 just hours before tip-off –, scoring 18 points in 28 minutes.
Williams will use Game 2 as a statement game not just to the Heat, but also to head coach Ime Ukoda, who has thinned out Williams’ minutes to make room for an overachieving Horford. But with Horford doubtful to return for Game 2, Williams may get another opportunity to show Ukoda why he deserves a bigger role.
Williams’ six highest-scoring playoff games – all in double-digits – all came when he played at least 17 and a half minutes. And after performing extremely well in the last game, he should see similar minutes in this one.
Same-Game Parlay
Jimmy Butler 2+ Steals; Jaylen Brown ‘Over’ 21.5 Points; Celtics ‘Over’ 100.5 And ‘Under’ 112.5 Total Points (+550, DraftKings)
Butler isn’t just a bona fide bucket getter. He’s also a crafty ball snatcher. He has recorded two-plus steals in all but two games in these playoffs.
It feels like it has been a while since we witnessed Brown put on a scoring light show. Luckily for this wager, he doesn’t need to go bonkers. He just needs to amass 22-plus points, which he has done in nine of Boston’s 12 playoff games.
Any team that battles Miami should expect a low-scoring tilt, but Boston’s game-by-game total points have been pegged in the 100s as of late. The Celtics have scored between 101 and 109 points in six of their last seven games.
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