NBA Player Props: Best bets for Cavaliers vs. Celtics in Game 2 Thursday

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics will continue their 2024 NBA Playoffs second round series with Game 2 on Thursday night. The Cavaliers hope to turn things around after a brutal Game 1 loss and even the series, while the Celtics will look to take a 2-0 lead before the game moves to Cleveland.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite player bets to target for Game 2 on Thursday, with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.

Jayson Tatum over 9.5 rebounds (-125)

Tatum’s offense hasn’t been a major factor so far in these playoffs, but the forward has done a great job on the glass. With Kristaps Porzingis still out, Tatum should continue to make his presence felt in this category. Boston’s star forward is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game in the postseason and has topped that particular line in five of those games. He should remain productive as a rebounder in Game 2.

Darius Garland on 1.5 3-pointers (-155)

Although Cleveland’s young point guard has been under scrutiny for his lack of scoring, he does well as a perimeter shooter. Garland is connecting on 37.2% of his triples, which is down from his season average but not terrible. He made two shots from the perimeter in Game 1 and will need to continue to do so if Cleveland wants to have any chance of winning this game. I like him to cross that line on Thursday.

Derrick White under 17.5 points (-110)

There is a simple formula for most of White’s scoring props. If he connects on three, he’ll go over his total and if he doesn’t, he’ll go down. In the four games he’s surpassed that mark, White has hit at least four triples. In the two playoff contests he played in, he hit two triples in each game. While I don’t necessarily think he’s completely shut down as a scorer, at some point his perimeter shooting is going to decline. I expect this to happen in Game 2, so I’ll take the underside on his point prop.

Evan Mobley under 1.5 blocks (-118)

After totaling five blocks in Games 6 and 7 against the Magic, Mobley had just one rejection in Game 1 against Boston. The Cavaliers big man has adjusted well to his role as the primary center with the absence of Jarrett Allen, but this is a completely different offense than the one he faced against Orlando. The Celtics move the ball well and are more perimeter oriented, making it harder to pile up denials. I think Mobley stays below that line Thursday night as Boston’s offensive efficiency continues.