3 Best Celtics Prop Bets for NBA Finals Game 3 vs Warriors

The Celtics took a knockout punch in Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Finals, but no one has gotten up off the mat like Boston this postseason. Ime Udoka's hard-nosed squad is a perfect 6-0 following a loss in their postseason run. FanDuel Sportsbook's odds suggest they'll do it again in Game 3, as Boston is a 3.5-point favorite over Golden State.

But spread bets are far from the only way to get in on the action. If you're looking to wager on Boston, here are three of the best Celtics prop bets to target heading into Game 3.

Best Celtics Prop Bets

1. Alternative Spread: Boston Celtics -9.5 (+220)

The Celtics haven't just responded following a postseason loss – they've blown the doors off people. Jayson Tatum's team outscored its opponents by an average of 15.8 PPG following a loss, with four of those six wins coming by double digits. It's not a secret at this point, but the key is turnovers. Boston is 12-2 in the postseason when committing fewer than 15 turnovers and 0-5 when they exceed that threshold. Losses seem to improve their focus, as Boston averages 10.1 turnovers per game when coming off a playoff defeat compared to their postseason average of 14.2. If these trends hold, the C's have a real shot to emerge with a statement victory in Game 3.

2. Jayson Tatum - Points: Over 27.5 (-118)

This team takes after its superstar, as Jayson Tatum has been unstoppable following a playoff loss. He's averaged 31.5 PPG in those six, a notable increase on the 26.3 PPG he's put up in the postseason. Tatum has recorded at least 29 points in four of his six games following a loss this postseason, never falling below 26 in any of those outings. He would've made it five for six had he not been pulled early in a Game 2 blowout against Miami that saw him finish with 27 points on 13 attempts in 31 minutes. When Boston's back is up against the wall, Tatum delivers; expect him to put on a show at home in TD Garden.

3. Marcus Smart - Assists: Over 5.5 (+118)

Marcus Smart can play out of control at times, but he's the heart and soul of this team. And as such, he also locks in after a loss. Smart is averaging 6.0 APG in the playoffs, but that figure jumps to 8.0 APG in his four appearances following a loss. That holds true in the turnover department as well, as Smart averages 1.25 turnovers per game after a loss compared to his postseason average of 2.2. Smart has also recorded at least 6 assists in nine of his 17 playoff appearances. Getting this juiced at +118 is just the icing on the cake.