NBA Finals Player Prop Picks From Beyond the Arc: Can We Trust Marcus Smart's Defense in Game 1?
NBA Finals Player Prop Picks From Beyond the Arc: Can We Trust Marcus Smart's Defense in Game 1?
Warriors vs. Celtics Game 1 Start Time and Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: June 2, 2022
- Game Time: 9:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ABC
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Warriors vs. Celtics Game 1 Line Movement
Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 Predictions
Derrick White 7+ Points/Marcus Smart Steal -110 (Bet $110 to win $100)
*Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing*
Derrick White has been a very dependable role player for the Celtics this offseason. White is averaging 8.1 points in 17 postseason games thus far but has really looked good recently scoring 13, 14, 22, and eight points over his last four games. With Robert Williams in and out of the lineup, I expect both teams to play small for a majority of this game. White’s defense has been ferocious this postseason, I’m expecting another strong workload from the guard. White also should benefit from new baby swag (don't sleep on it!).
Marcus Smart has consistently cashed his steal prop vs Stephen Curry. In his career, he has 1+ steal in 9 of 10 games facing Curry, including 3/3 since 2021. Smart is averaging 1.1 SPG this postseason and has averaged over 1+ steal per game in the playoffs dating back to 2016. He faced some injuries during the Heat series, but considering the fact that he played 40+ minutes in each of his last two games, I think it's safe to say we are gonna see a lot of Marcus Smart today.
Al Horford 1+ 3PM, Marcus Smart 1+ STL & 1+ 1Q AST -115 (Bet $115 to win $100)
*Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing*
Al Horford's successful rebrand to the stretch big he is today has gotten him his first NBA Finals appearance. Horford has played a pivotal role in the success of this Celtics team and drained 1+ 3PM in all seven games against Miami. Horford is averaging 1.9 3PM on 4.4 3PA this postseason, shooting 43% from beyond the arc. He has 1+ 3PM in 14/17 playoff games, with his three misses coming in a minor shooting slump he had vs MIL, he’s back and ready to go.
I think Smart is being undervalued due to a tough matchup and some minor injury concerns. If you don't have first-quarter assists, I also like his full game alt line at five as well. Smart has 1+ 1Q assist in 14 of 15 playoff games, despite any health concerns or foul trouble he may have run into. While he had some injury concerns limiting his minutes, he was still able to cash this number playing only around 7-8 minutes. I’m expecting a full workload for the veteran guard in enemy territory.
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