Game 2 between the Heat and Celtics tips at 8:30 p.m. E.T. on Friday night. I was all over Game 1 with the over, a Miami cover, and the ever-reliable Max Strus to go over his points prop. Let’s take a look at why I’m hitting the over on Strus points once again for NBA player props.
Plays are listed in order of my confidence. But, make sure to also note the amount of units I’m wagering on each bet as another indicator. Find NBA odds here and use our player props search tool to find the best prices at legal sports betting sites.
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Heat At Celtics NBA Player Props
Game Notes
Despite taking Game 1 on the road, Miami is a hefty underdog for Game 2. The Heat are underdogs on Friday night, with a point total set at .
Max Strus Over 12.5 Points (+102 DraftKings | 1u) OR Over 11.5 Points (-132 FanDuel | 1u)
Here are Strus core points, rebounds, and assists props for the game against the Celtics:
- Points: Over/Under /
- Rebounds: Over/Under /
- Assists: Over/Under /
It Ain’t Broke
I understand that reading about Max Strus every two days isn’t appealing to some. But, to quote Mike Singletary, “I want winners.” His points prop only increased by one on DraftKings and not at all on FanDuel. He’s recorded at least 14 in each of Miami’s last six and his points prop should be at 13.5 or higher in my estimation.
The minutes and usage are key as we continue to ride Strus’ scoring. He saw fewer than 28 minutes a night over the Heat’s first six playoff games, averaging just 6.7 points with an 8% usage rate. Since then, he’s had the third-highest usage rate (19%) and third-most minutes played (31) of any Miami player.
Strus needed a big second half to get over his points prop on Wednesday. He may have only scored two points over the first two quarters, but that’s due to the fact that he only took one shot. In quarters three and four, Strus went right back to his recent ways, including 13 points on 55% shooting and a 22% usage. That also happens to coincide with Miami dominating to lift itself to victory. There’s a clear correlation between Strus’ individual success and that of the team. Expect him to continue firing over heavy floor time Friday night.
Josh Lander is 73-48 and up 28+ units betting NBA player props over the last 3 months. Check out the NBA Coast 2 Coast podcast each and every weekday with co-host Nate Weitzer and give him a follow on Twitter, @jlboogy. Click on the odds below to bet now.
Editor’s Note
