Warriors vs Celtics Game 3 Odds, Preview & Prediction – Boston Listed As Home Favorite

There is a lot to take from this 1-1 series tie in the NBA Finals, as we head to Boston for the next two games. Warriors fans could be telling themselves that they were one horrible 4th quarter in game 1 away from a 2-0 lead. Celtics fans are asking themselves what if they weren’t outscored 35-14 in the 3rd quarter of game 2? The Warriors vs Celtics game 3 odds list Boston as favorites to grab their second lead of the series.

After opening the NBA Finals odds as +135 underdogs,  New York sports betting sites now list the odds at a near pick-em’, with Boston priced at -105. The Celtics now hold home court advantage after stealing a game in Golden State. Coming off of a tumultuous 38% shooting in game 2 they’re going to need a better performance in game 3 to hold court.

Warriors vs Celtics Game 3 Odds

Odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook!

The Warriors vs Celtics game 3 odds were released across the board in Ontario sports betting markets at the conclusion of game 2 on Sunday night. The total opened at it’s lowest number of the series so far. checking in at 212.5 points. But the Celtics haven’t been able to hold the Warriors in check behind the arc, Golden State is shooting 41.5% from three so far this series.

If they can take one positive from their defensive performance it’s how they’ve held Klay Thompson in check. The second splash brother has taken 33 shots this series with just 16 points to show for it. His point total is down to 19.5 in the Warriors vs Celtics game 3 odds at Caesars Sportsbook.

Boston Deserving Favorite in Game 3 Odds

Home court hasn’t meant much to the Celtics during the postseason as they are 5-4 at TD Garden. But it’s meant a lot on the defensive side of the ball, which is essential against this multi-faceted Warriors attack. Boston has the best three point defense at home, opponents are shooting 33.7% behind the arc. From the field in these playoffs opponents are shooting only 43.4%.

The Celtics have yet to get the best punch from their two best scorers in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both showed flashes in the first two games of this series. More consistent production and better shot selection would go a long way in that department. The other is turnovers, Brown and Tatum combined for 6 of the teams 18 turnovers in game 2. The Warriors scored 33 points off turnovers in game 2.

One thing that should aid with their turnover issues is coming back to TD Garden. The Celtics like to play at one of the slower paces in the league, Golden State was relentless pressuring the ball and it forced Boston into some sped up possessions. There have been 4 instances these playoffs that the Celtics have turned the ball over more than 15 times, they are 4-0 straight up the next game. Ime Udoka’s group has proven they can adjust.

Jaylen Brown when guarded by Draymond Green:

4-12 FG
1-7 3P pic.twitter.com/nERKJqDXbc

— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 6, 2022

Golden State Riding Ferocious Defense

During the regular season the Warriors were tied with the Celtics for the best defensive efficiency in the NBA. Game 2 was a masterclass performance from Steve Kerr. There was one adjustment in particular that paid off, which was swapping Draymond Green onto Jaylen Brown and Klay Thompson onto Al Horford.

Horford killed Golden State in game 1 from behind the arc, he’s shooting over 45% from three point range these playoffs. Thompson is a much more willing defender on the perimeter and having Green guard one of the Celtics high volume ball handlers keeps him much more engaged. The question is, can Green get away with the physical defensive style he played again in Boston this time? I can’t imagine the referee crew wants to feel the wrath of a Massachusetts crowd.

Another important addition to their defense was Gary Payton, who was an impressive +15 in 25 minutes of action. Payton is a bulldog of a defender and has proven that he can guard all five positions. Kerr has a clear trust in him and I’d expect to see more of him this series.

Warriors vs Celtics Game 3 Pick

My best bet in the Warriors vs Celtics game 3 odds is a prop. I am attacking Jordan Poole and it goes back to what we discussed about Gary Payton. Poole is a defensive liability and has been -12 so far in this series. Poole’s scoring ability is a luxury for Steve Kerr but having a defender like Payton is much more important. Especially when you can get perimeter scoring from Curry and Thompson.

I’m looking at Poole to play anywhere from 19-25 minutes in this game, rotating in with Curry, Thompson and Payton. Poole’s most important minutes will come at the start of the fourth quarter when Curry sits. Poole has really struggled to score at the rim with Robert Williams and Al Horford guarding the paint, he instead looked heavily to the perimeter to score in game 2 and was successful.

Now Poole heads to Boston where his three point shooting percentage drops from 38% at home to 34.9% on the road. Not to mention the Celtics boast the best home three point defense in the NBA. Lock me in for under 12.5 points for Poole at BetMGM.

Pick: Jordan Poole UNDER 12.5 points (-105)