Celtics vs Heat Game 7 Player Props: Impact Players Shine in Must Win Game

The Boston Celtics had a chance to close out the Miami Heat in Game 6, but Jimmy Butler had other plans. The Heat superstar had 47 points to lead his team to an improbable victory, and now the Eastern Conference Finals will go the distance.

With that, keep reading for our favorite player props in the two greatest words in sports: Game 7.

Celtics vs Heat Game 7 prop picks

• Smart Over 5.5 assists (-110)
• Butler Over 4.5 assists (-145)
• Tatum Over 7.5 rebounds (+115 at Caesars)

Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis. Each odds widget below represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated US sportsbooks.

Celtics vs Heat Game 7 props

Making Smart plays

After racking up 19 assists in Games 2 and 3 of this series, Smart has had just seven total assists in the last two games.

The excellent two-way guard also happened to go 4-for-15 from the floor and 1-for-9 from three in Game 6, and he simply needs to be better if the Celtics are going to find a way to advance to the NBA Finals. Smart can’t just go out there and be passive because he hasn’t shot well over the last two games, but he does need to make better decisions with the basketball.

With that, you should look for him to try to be more of a playmaker in Game 7. Boston knows it can count on Smart to play excellent defense, but the team also needs him to be the table-setter in what should be a wild environment in Miami.

Overall, it would just be surprising if Smart doesn’t look to be more of a passer first in the deciding game. He’s capable of having six or more assists in his sleep, which is why he’s averaging 6.3 assists per game in the playoffs despite having some weak games.

PICK: Smart Over 5.5 assists (-110 at DraftKings)

Jimmy spreads the wealth

When looking at the assists props for this game, Butler’s number was another one that stood out as a little low. Even in a Game 6 in which Butler dropped 47 points to extend this series, the star forward also dished out eight assists. He’s a very good passer and will always do what he can to seek out good shots for his teammates, but the way he played last game should make it even easier for him to rack up assists.

The Celtics only lost the last game because of the heroic performance from Butler, and there is no way for the Heat to advance to The Finals without him turning in another ridiculous performance. Look for Boston to do everything it can to send bodies at Butler and try to force the ball out of his hands.

That should mean that Butler will be even more active as a passer in this one, and other Heat players should get some good looks because of how dangerous he was as a scorer in Game 6. This should ultimately come down to whether or not his teammates are making shots, but it’s hard to see Butler not hitting the five-assist mark — especially at home.

PICK: Butler Over 4.5 assists (-145 at Caesars)

Tatum hits the glass

Tatum has been a monster on the glass all year, as he averaged a career-high 8.0 rebounds per game this season. The forward has slowed down a little in the playoffs, as he is averaging just 6.5 rebounds per game in the postseason.

However, Tatum has picked things back up recently as he has had at least eight rebounds in each of the last three games. He’s now averaging 8.0 rebounds per game in this series with the Heat. In Game 7, you shouldn’t count on Tatum being less aggressive on the boards.

This is a win-or-go-home situation for both teams, so everybody will be playing as hard as humanly possible. There will also be more opportunities to grab boards in a game like this, as Game 7 nerves should lead to more missed shots than usual.

PICK: Tatum Over 7.5 rebounds (+115 at Caesars)

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