🏀 Celtics vs. Cavaliers Player Props Today: NBA Picks & Best Bets (March 8)

Sunday's NBA slate will get started with an afternoon battle between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers at 1 p.m. ET in Rocket Arena in Cleveland on ABC. This is a chance to watch two of the top challengers in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland is a 1.5-point betting favorite, but Jayson Tatum is back for Boston. And my Celtics vs. Cavaliers player props today dissect the value of Tatum's markets as part of Sunday's NBA picks and best bets.

🏀 Best Celtics vs. Cavaliers player props today: NBA picks for March 8

See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.77 units

💰 Best Celtics vs. Cavaliers prop bet

Jayson Tatum Over 4.5 assists (+108)

My favorite way to back Tatum in the early games of his return is his assist angle. His first contest helped illustrate that point.

In 27 minutes, Tatum dished seven assists on 14 potential dimes to clear a closing total of 3.5. He made 44 passes in a 20-point win over the Dallas Mavericks.

To me, it makes sense that Tatum would want to facilitate more in his return. The Celtics have been humming without him, and he doesn't want to take the life out of the offense.

I think FanDuel's +108 value on this Over is a deal, especially compared to the minus odds at most other best NBA betting sites.

🔥 More Celtics vs. Cavaliers prop picks

Jayson Tatum Over 6.5 rebounds (-145)

For my second Tatum prop, I'm targeting the Over on 6.5 rebounds. This line is priced as high as 7.5, indicating where this market might go by tipoff on Sunday.

Tatum's rebounding appeared in midseason form on Friday. He collected 12 rebounds on 16 chances against Dallas. Tatum has averaged at least eight rebounds for the past four years. Tatum grabbed at least seven boards in 75% of his contests last season.

The Cavaliers are league average in terms of rebounds allowed, but I think this is another good way to back Tatum as he continues to ramp up for the Celtics.

💡 How I'm betting Celtics vs. Cavaliers

Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.

Tatum flirted with a triple-double in his return from an Achilles injury that he suffered last May. It was certainly an impressive performance.

I expect the Celtics to be careful with Tatum, as they need him for their playoff run more than any regular-season game. However, it's worth noting that he played 27 minutes in his first game back. If his playing time remains similar on Sunday, I believe his markets have some value.

That's why I've targeted two different angles for Tatum in this Celtics vs. Cavaliers matchup. It's the best way to have action on a primetime matchup.

🚀 Celtics vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay

Let this be Tatum day, as I'm backing both of his player props for my Celtics vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay. I've also added Boston's moneyline value in this primetime matchup. I think this is a good spot for the Celtics to remind everyone that they could win the Eastern Conference again.

🚑 Celtics vs. Cavaliers injuries

📺 How to watch Celtics vs. Cavaliers

• Date: Sunday, March 8
• Tipoff: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Rocket Arena (Cleveland)
• TV: ABC