NBA Expert Picks and Best Bets | June 12

The first two games of the NBA Finals have belonged to the Boston Celtics, who have a 2-0 series lead. That puts all of the pressure on the Dallas Mavericks ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3. With the season winding down one way or another, now is a great time to read betting guides and look at some of the latest sportsbook promos that are ongoing. Of course, the US Legal Sports Betting team is here to help. We have three expert picks for Game 3 using three different sports betting apps.

Mavericks -1.5 | -110 at bet365

Obviously, most folks taking part in Massachusetts sports betting will be picking the Celtics to win. However, the Mavericks have responded well to adversity throughout the playoffs, so we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt in a must-win game. They’ve gone 5-3 at home during the playoffs, including 3-0 in Game 3. That’s a good omen for a Dallas team that played better in Game 2 and will get the lift they need from the crowd in Game 3.

We should also mention that the Celtics have been prone to a letdown at some point in each playoff series. Boston’s pattern of Game 2 struggles didn’t come to fruition, but going on the road is another occasion in which the Celtics could struggle. With bet365 listing the Mavs as the favorite, we’re on board with Dallas being able to pull out a win. Don’t forget to read out bet365 review.

Over 212.5 | -110 at BetMGM

The first two games of this series have stayed under the point total. But that has caused BetMGM to drop the over/under for Game 3 all the way to 212.5 points, five points less than Game 1. Be sure you read out BetMGM Sportsbook review before placing a bet on the over/under for Game 3.

The key to Game 3 is Dallas playing better offensively. The Celtics have done a nice job of stifling them thus far. But that’ll be harder to do without the Boston fans behind them. That should allow the Mavericks to get into a rhythm and make some of the shots they’ve been missing over the first two games. Meanwhile, the Celtics haven’t had a hard time topping 100 points over the first two games. We’re banking on both teams going over 100 points in Game 3, pushing the total over 212.5 points.

Jrue Holiday Over 12.5 Points | -122 at BetRivers

After his double-double in Game 2, it’s clear that Holiday has been one of Boston’s best players in this series. The Mavericks don’t appear to have an answer for him on either end of the court. That explains why he was able to go off for 26 points in Game 2. Following that game, Holiday has now gone over 12.5 points in eight of his last nine games. 

We love the odds we’re getting from BetRivers for Holiday to go over 12.5 points again. We also think you’ll like our BetRivers Sportsbook review. The problem for the Mavs in Game 3 is they won’t be able to focus on Holiday because they still need to pay attention to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That means Holiday will be matched up against one of Dallas’ weaker defenders, allowing him to finish with another high points total in Game 3.