NBA Props Tonight | Expert Picks for Celtics vs Cavaliers, Thunder vs Mavericks (May 13)
Getty Images. Pictured: Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum
It's 3 p.m. somewhere! So that means it's time for more 3-point props from tonight's NBA playoff slate.
I've got two bets that are showing value from tonight's slate, including Jayson Tatum in Celtics vs. Cavaliers and Kyrie Irving in Thunder vs. Mavericks.
As a reminder, you can follow all of my picks as I track them live in the Action App.
NBA Props Tonight
Click on any pick or team logo to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Time (ET) | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| 7 p.m. | |
| 9:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | |
Celtics vs. Cavaliers
I know this seems gross. It feels like everyone has bet this over at some point in this playoffs, yet Jayson Tatum hasn't hit three or more 3-pointers in a playoff game all year.
So, why take the over tonight?
I hate to say it's because he's due, but it's mostly what the Cavs' defense is giving the Celtics. In the postseason, Cleveland ranks 14th out of the 16 teams in opponent 3-point attempts at 35 per game. In the three games of this series, that's increased to 38.3, which ranks last among the eight remaining teams.
If this were the regular season, 38.3 attempts per game would be 28th in the NBA.
The Celtics continue to lead the NBA in 3-point attempts and makes during the playoffs. The volume has been there for Tatum to hit this prop.
Over the last two games, Tatum has teased us by hitting exactly two 3-pointers in the first half, then he's suddenly gone away from it.
Tatum attempted the most 3-pointers in the playoffs last year, too, so you'd think he'll get there at some point. Tonight could be the night.
Pick: Jayson Tatum Over 2.5 3-Pointers (-115)
Thunder vs. Mavericks
Kyrie Irving has hit this number in six of the nine playoff games so far this postseason.
He's averaging three 3-point makes per game during the playoffs, which is the highest figure on the Mavericks. He's also shooting his highest percentage from 3-point range in the playoffs for his entire career.
Irving has fallen short of this prop in the last two games, but that's partially due to the sudden explosion in scoring from P.J. Washington.
You're also starting to see the Thunder adjust on those corner 3s, which should give them more openings at the top of the key. That's where Irving operates.
Jalen Williams has been the primary defender on Irving, and every time he's crowded Irving on the perimeter, Irving would just blow by him.
Luka Doncic has also been dealing with a grocery list of minor injuries, so the Mavericks need Irving offensively even more.
Pick: Kyrie Irving Over 2.5 3-Pointers (-120)
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