Jrue Holiday has arguably been the Celtics’ MVP during this playoff run.
The two-time All-Star was dominant on both ends of the floor as Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the Finals.
In Game 2, in particular, Holiday was spectacular, dropping 26 points while grabbing 11 rebounds, both of which were team highs.
Holiday’s latest performance was yet another example of his scoring prowess going to another level as the Celtics seek their 18th NBA title in franchise history.
Since the semifinal round against the Cavaliers, Holiday is averaging 16.1 points per game – well above his 12.5 PPG in the regular season.
He’s been a menace on the boards over the past two series as well, taking advantage of the Pacers and Mavericks’ smaller guards and weaker rebounders, averaging eight rebounds per game, which is more than 2.5 rebounds higher than his regular season average.
Heading into Game 3 on Wednesday night, oddsmakers are still pricing Holiday’s point and rebound totals as if he’s not on basketball’s biggest stage.
Holiday is +100 to go over 20.5 points + rebounds (DraftKings), which is a number he’s had no trouble hitting of late.
He’s gone over 20.5 P+R in six of his last nine contests, falling short by a bucket in two of those games.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has had a hard time keeping Holiday off the court, as well as he trims his playoff rotation.
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Holiday has played 40-plus minutes in four of his last eight games, matching his total from the entire regular season.
The Celtics may also be without one of their most important scorers and rebounders, Kristaps Porzingis, who is dealing with a “rare” leg injury, leaving Holiday even more opportunities to rack up the counting stats.
The play: Jrue Holiday Over 20.5 points + rebounds (+100, DraftKings)