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JAYSON TATUM O/U 27.5 POINTS VS. WARRIORS
How about that Game 1 performance from Jayson Tatum? It's exactly something I hoped would happen because we are going to ride with the bounce back King of this postseason.
In the playoffs, Tatum has scored 20 or fewer points three times. In the three next games, Tatum scored 30, 31 and 39 points -- all three games coming in each series versus the Nets, Bucks and Heat. It's the Warriors turn.
Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Derrick White and Marcus Smart combined for 89 points on 32-of-57 from the field (56.1%), 17-of-31 from three (54.8%) and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line (88.8%).
Tatum went 3-of-17 from the field (17.6%) and 1-of-5 from three (20%). Five of his 12 points came from the free-throw line. He has visited the free-throw line at least six times in 14 out of 19 postseason games (73.6%) and attempted at least six triples in 16 out of 19 (84.2%).
I expect a heavy workload in Game 2 for Tatum, because if he balls out in Game 2 and confident rolling into Game 3 at home, Boston is 100-percent the favorite in their first NBA Finals trip together.
Not counting Game 1 of the Finals, Tatum had four consecutive games of 26-plus points against the Warriors and six straight with at least 20 points.
Game 1 was uncharacteristic for the Celtics star, but jitters, rust, defense and the NBA Finals stage might have something to do with his performance.
However, we will not expect that again. I expect another 30-point outing from Tatum, so I will play the Over 27.5 points for -110 odds at 1.5 units.
I would play the 30+ points for +100 or better when the line moves to 28.5.
Pick: Jayson Tatum Over 27.5 Points (1.5u)
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