A pair of Game 3 playoff matchups are set for Friday night in the NBA. Both home teams will look to make it a series by trying to win a game on their own floor on Friday.
I am looking for the superstars to shine.
We’ll be using the Action Labs Player Prop tool to compare our NBA projections to the props posted at a variety of sportsbooks.
Below, I have laid out two prop bets that I’m playing, the case for each bet and the best books to find odds on those player props.
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NBA Player Props & Picks
Jimmy Butler, Over 1.5 Steals (-135)
| Heat vs. 76ers | Sixers -1 |
| Time | TV | 7:00 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Best Book | DraftKings |
The series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat heads back to Philly, as the Sixers look to get their first victory of the series.
The Heat are playing out of their minds on the defensive end thus far in the playoffs. The defense has been led by Jimmy Butler, who is creating havoc. In fact, Jimmy Butler has recorded at least two steals in EVERY playoff game so far.
Butler prides himself on the defensive end of the court, and it shows up not only on the floor, but in the stat sheets.
Since joining Miami, Butler has played the 76ers eight times during the regular season. He has recorded at least two steals in six of those games.
Additionally, according to NBA Advanced Stats, the Heat are forcing 15.3 turnovers per game in the playoffs.
Luka Doncic, Over 3.5 3s Made (-145)
| Suns vs. Mavericks | Suns -1 |
| Time | TV | 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Best Book | DraftKings |
Facing a 2-0 deficit, the Mavericks head home for Games 3 and 4.
Dallas has been led by Luka Doncic on the offensive end, as he has scored 45 and 35 points, respectively, in the first two games.
Not only has Doncic been getting to the basket, he is knocking down the 3-ball consistently. In fact, in the five games Luka has played so far in the postseason, he has knocked down at least four 3s in four out of the five games.
Further, Luka is also getting up attempts. He is averaging right around 10 3-points attempts per game and is knocking them down at a 39% rate.
As a team, the Mavericks are averaging 40 3-point attempts per game, and I do not anticipate that slowing down in Game 3.
I will continue to back Luka being the primary scorer for the Mavericks, and for him to continue his shooting from beyond the arc.