Recent Play Details

FINNs NBA EAST TITLE TOP of the TICKET REPORT III -  Marcus Smart Points + Assists + Rebounds Over 22.5 (-125)
2% prop rating

Unlike the Nuggets and Lakers series, one in which I was more confident that not that the Nuggets could and would sweep the series if they could find a way to win Game 3 at the Crypt … a situation they found themselves in and one they executed to near perfection, the Heat are at home looking to hold serve on familiar wood and move on to the Finals, as the less-talented team. 

The Celtics have been shell-shocked, dazed, confused, and embarrassed in this Eastern Conference Title series. This isn't the same as the Lakers being swept or inconsistently flaying at times in each of the four games the pair of Western Conference contenders execute. The Celtics were arguably the best team in the East and many will tell you they still are, despite being down 3-0 in the best-of-seven and never looking a part of the three games played. 

Defensively, the Celtics have been a Top-5 defense … defenseless squad instead… over the last three games they have surrendered 120+ points per 100 possessions in non-garbage time. That would rank them as one of the worst five defensive efficiency ratings in the regular season. 

The pair have averaged nearly 230 game points across the first three tilts (228.3 pts). Furthermore, if you glance back at the last seven meetings between these two East rivals you will find that six exceeded the opening total in tonight's nothing-burger game. 

There is absolutely nothing to stand in the way of the Celtics playing loose, fast, and with a recklessness that teams execute as a whole when there is nothing to lose after being made the laughingstock of the Association for the last week.

While there is, without doubt, a large portion of pride and ego with any player at this level of professional sports pushing money in on Tatum and Brown to be passionate and focused tonight doesn't feel nearly as probable as that of Marcus Smart. The man is not only an ego-maniac but easily the most passionate competitor, hating to lose and hating those who attempt to complete the dirty deed. 

Smart will have the most energy, the meanest spirit, and the largest chunk of chip hanging from the shoulder portion of his jersey tonight in Miami and I am betting he approaches the 22.5 PAR by halftime if he has played 19 or more minutes. 

Marcus Smart Points + Assists + Rebounds Over 22.5 (-125)