NBA Finals Game 4: SGP Picks, Jake vs Huddle Trader

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June 14, 2024

NBA Finals Game 4: SGP Picks, Jake vs Huddle Trader

Well, this NBA Finals appears to be headed for a sweep. The Boston Celtics, buoyed by excellent play from their starters (four of whom are playing 40+ minutes a night), are poised to end the Dallas Mavericks (and the NBA) season in just four games. It’s been a dominant playoff run for Boston. The Celtics dispatched the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games per series. They throttled the Indiana Pacers in a 4-game sweep, and now appear ready to do the same thing to the Dallas Mavericks.

For the Mavericks, this season should be considered a success, even if they fall short of winning it all. The pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has been a hit, and they look like the best backcourt in basketball. A finals appearance for a team that is still lacking in playoff experience bodes well, much like how the Celtics were in the NBA Finals when they lost to the Golden State Warriors a few years ago. Make no mistake, Dallas is going to be a contender for the NBA championship for as long as Luka Doncic suits up for them, and perhaps they’ll add some crucial pieces (a 3-and-D wing, a scoring big man with range, etc.) in the offseason.

Jake's Picks

Celtics moneyline. This one is easy to explain - I just think the Celtics are ready to bring it home. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Finals, and the Celtics are just too poised. I think they close this one out in 4.

Jayson Tatum U27.5 points. Despite being a crucial and important player, Jayson Tatum has not been the Celtics best player - either in the playoffs or in the NBA Finals. Through 17 games, Tatum is averaging 25/10/6 on 42% shooting from the field and 29% shooting from three, down from 27/8/5 in the regular season on 47% from the field and 37% from three. He scored 16 and 18 in Games 1 and 2 respectively, and his shooting percentage in the finals is a dreadful 35.9%. I think he’s held under 28 points.

Luka Doncic O32.5 points. This is easy for me. Luka is going to have a monster game, regardless of whether the Mavericks win or lose. He’s the engine and the soul behind Dallas. He scored 36 to close out Minnesota, 29 to close out OKC and 28 to close out LAC. It wouldn’t surprise if Luka topped 40 points. He’s going to give it his all.

Jaylen Brown O6.5 rebounds. If the series ends in Game 4, it would take a herculean effort from Jayson Tatum for me to name anyone else Finals MVP over Brown, who has been spectacular. Brown has shot better than 50% in all three games, he’s +22 in the series so far, and is coming off a 41-minute masterpiece where he scored 30 points and had 8 rebounds and 8 assists. I think Brown ices the series with an enormous game and secures Finals MVP.

PJ Washington O6.5 rebounds. Washington has had at least 7 rebounds in four consecutive games and I expect him to make it five consecutive in Game 4. He’s been an underrated pickup for Dallas, and I think he sticks there. Wouldn’t surprise me if Dallas made a run at his former teammate in Miles Bridges this offseason to play SF in their offense.

Kyrie Irving O4.5 assists. If you can’t tell, I hate betting the under. Kyrie is going to dish out some passes that Luka hits. I hope PJ gets in the action as well. Maybe he’ll get a couple of gimme’s to Dereck Lively or Daniel Gafford under the rim as well.

6-leg parlay at +4900! Let’s go out with a bang.

Domagoj's Picks

The Celtics are on the brink of history, poised to complete a sweep of the Mavericks and secure their 18th NBA title. Boston’s dominance has been evident throughout the series, especially with their impressive 10-game postseason winning streak and a perfect 7-0 record on the road.

Despite a strong start and a huge fourth-quarter run in Game 3, Dallas couldn't overcome Boston’s relentless defense. Kyrie Irving delivered his best performance of the series, but it wasn't enough. Jayson Tatum finally found his rhythm, scoring 31 points, while the Celtics’ defense made Luka Doncic and Irving work for every point, exposing the weaknesses in Dallas' supporting cast. Still, I'm taking Jayson under 9.5 on the rebounds.

Derrick White has been integral to the Boston Celtics‘ run to the NBA Finals. White appeared in 73 regular season games for the Celtics this season. He averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.6% from 3-point range. I’m taking White O15.5.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both come up big in Game 3, leading Boston to a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. That’s why I’m taking Brown O3.5 in total assists.

The duo of Doncic and Irving will be on a mission to keep Dallas alive when the teams meet for Game 4 Tonight.

Boston has now won 10 straight in the postseason for the first time in franchise history. The Celtics are a perfect 7-0 on the road in the playoffs, and will look to complete a Finals sweep and bring home the franchise's 18th NBA title tonight!