NBA Same Game Parlay: How to Bet Cavaliers vs Celtics Game 2 (Thursday, May 9)

It's time for an NBA Playoffs same-game parlay.

Our Action Network betting analysts have a knack for winning bets, so let’s take some of their +EV bets and put them in a same-game parlay for tonight's Eastern Conference semifinals matchup.

Each day, we have best bets from our analysts in the NBA, NHL and MLB that cover sides, totals and even niche markets like player props.

As recreational bettors, we all like to throw them together occasionally, so let’s do it responsibly and create a fun and low-stakes SGP.

The matchup we’ll use today is Cavaliers vs. Celtics Game 2 on Thursday, May 9.

1. Darius Garland Over 16.5 Points
2. Jayson Tatum Under 27.5 Points
3. Cavaliers +13.5

Parlay Odds: +400

Here we are again, starting with a Darius Garland points prop. He managed to score only 14 points in Game 1, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort.

Action Network contributor Chris Baker thinks we need to keep going back to Garland despite how badly he has played in the playoffs:

“Garland has been brutal this entire postseason, but this is a spot worth holding your nose and betting because of the combination of usage and playing time.

"He played 36 minutes in Game 1 and attempted 15 shots but finished with 14 points while going 2-of-8 from the 3-point line. Garland also could have played a few more minutes if that game wasn’t a blowout. It’s pretty clear J.B. Bickerstaff isn’t going to bench him, so his minutes should be relatively safe.

"Garland should clear this number just from the sheer amount of ball-handling opportunities he'll continue to receive. Trust Garland to clear 16.5 points and look into some of his alternate lines as well.”

Follow Chris Baker in the Action App.

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When betting on player props, betting on “stars to be stars” can pay off in a massive way. Look at Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and the scoring spree he’s been on (35.6 points per game in playoffs).

However, sometimes certain stars may not be needed to carry the offensive load because of a stacked supporting cast.

This is where we land on Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Jim Turvey is going to continue to fade the All-Star:

“Jayson Tatum is averaging basically 20 points per game, down from his season average of 26.9. The Celtics are getting less from Tatum scoring-wise, but it's been no issue for them at all. That's kind of been the theme all season. Tatum saw his scoring go from 30.1 PPG last season to 26.9 PPG this season, with the Boston offense improving from a 117.3 offensive rating to a historic 122.2.

“This is not to say that less Tatum is better, but when things are clicking, Tatum isn't needed as much — and he's fine accepting that decreased scoring role.

“That's impressive for a star player like Tatum, and I very much think there's a signal here. In a series where the Celtics simply don't need him to force the issue at all, I'm going to run to back the under on his points prop.”

Follow Jim Turvey in the Action App.

After getting trounced by 25 in Game 1, a lot of bettors may go right back to fading the Cavaliers in Game 2 when they see a Celtics -13.5 full-game spread.

Matt Moore explains why you might want to pump the brakes on blindly backing the Celtics in Game 2:

“Since the bubble, Boston has gone 18-22 ATS after winning and covering in the playoffs. It's 4-5 ATS after winning by 20 or more and 1-4 at home.

“It's rare that I play a spread when I don't think the team can win. The Cavs can't win this game unless this is the random-number-generated contest that features the Celtics missing a bunch of shots and the opponent making a bunch, which happens once per round (at least) to Boston.

“But this is too many points for a team in a bounce-back spot. Teams get over blowouts; they know they can be better. The Celtics are still without Kristaps Porzingis. I'll grab the points.”

Follow Matt Moore in the Action App.

Disclaimer: Parlays have a significantly lower chance of winning compared to betting each leg of the same-game parlay on its own. Those percentages only decrease with the more legs you add to the parlay. Keep your expectations in check, and please bet on these responsibly for recreation.