The Boston Celtics carry a 1-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and we're offering our top Jayson Tatum odds and player props based on the best NBA odds for Thursday's game.
It took a big performance from the Boston Celtics' star players to outlast the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Coming off that thrilling overtime win, the Celtics are 9-point home favorites for Game 2 at TD Garden, which tips off Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).
With the shortest NBA championship odds, Boston will look to play up to its standards in Game 2 after a sloppy opening contest of the series. The key to another victory will be Jayson Tatum, the favorite by the 2024 NBA Finals MVP odds.
Along with our Pacers vs. Celtics player props, here are our best Jayson Tatum o dds and player props, and NBA picks (odds via our best NBA betting sites; Pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Jayson Tatum odds, player props
- Jayson Tatum Over 10.5 rebounds (-115 via DraftKings) ????
- Jayson Tatum Under 2.5 made 3-pointers (+104 via FanDuel) ????
- Jayson Tatum Over 1.5 steals (+150 via FanDuel) ???
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Jayson Tatum odds, prop bet predictions for Game 2
There are just certain players who make it look easy. Tatum is one of those players. Sure, he endured some struggles in the fourth quarter against the Pacers during Game 1, but he put the team on his broad shoulders in OT to sec ure a win.
Tatum may have finished with the quietest 36-point, 12-rebound performance in recent memory. He lulled the Pacers to sleep while dominating them inside the arc, both as a scorer and rebounder. All playoffs he's been cleaning the glass like a high-rise window washer. He's averaging 10.5 rebounds in the postseason with at least 11 in seven of his last nine games.
He was simply too strong and physical for an Indiana team that was third-last in rebounds per game during 2023-24 (41.5). These odds imply a 53.49% probability this prop hits, according to our odds converter, with a $10 bet paying out $18.70.
Best odds: -115 via DraftKings
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Watching the Pacers take on the Celtics is like watching a Mike Leach air raid team go up against an old-school Nick Saban squad. One team wants to play fast and put up points, and the other aims to play ferocious defense and out-muscle you in the trenches.
It became abundantly clear down the stretch of Game 1 that Indiana just doesn't boast a defender who can handle Tatum around the rim. That's part of the reason why I like this prop, as he can win inside with ease in this matchup.
Given Tatum's 3-point shooting in the playoffs – 27.8% from three and averaging 1.8 makes per game – I'm surprised this prop is at plus-money. He's only hit Over 2.5 threes in one of 11 playoff games thus far.
These odds imply a 49.02% probability the prop hits, with a $10 bet paying a $10.40 profit.
Best odds: +104 via FanDuel
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The pace Indiana plays at can get the Pacers in trouble sometimes. They committed 22 turnovers in Game 1 against the Celtics while giving up 11 steals. Six different Pacers tallied three-plus turnovers, while four Celtics registered two-plus steals, including Tatum.
The forward was spectacular overall with his scoring and rebounding, especially in overtime. But he's also put together a pretty decent defensive performance against a Pacers team that led the NBA in scoring. The five-time All-Star finished plus-20 while coming away with three steals.
Playing alongside top-end defenders like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Jaylen Brown should only help him apply pressure to pick-pocket ball-handlers. Tatum has recorded Over 1.5 steals in three straight games, and while these odds only imply a 40% probability he'll do it again, a $10 bet pays a $15 profit if it cashes.
Best odds: +150 via FanDuel
Pacers vs. Celtics Game 2 info & odds
- When: Thursday, May 23
- Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET
- Where: TD Garden, Boston
- How to watch: ESPN
- Favorite: Celtics -9 (-110 via bet365)
Jayson Tatum player props made Wednesday at 2:10 p.m. ET.
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