Will Jrue Holiday have a big game for Celtics? | NBA icon Jerry West dies at 86

Greetings, gamblers.

The NBA Finals resume tonight with the series shifting to Dallas for the next two games. Game 3 figures to be very intriguing considering that the Dallas Mavericks must defeat the Boston Celtics if they want to have any plausible chance of coming back in the series. Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis, who scored an efficient 20 points in Game 1, is dealing with a leg injury, and his status for Game 3 is in jeopardy. If Porzingis can't play, that would be a big loss for the Celtics and will make the Mavericks' job significantly easier on both ends of the floor. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

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All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

HALL OF FAME PLAYER, EXECUTIVE JERRY WEST DIES AT 86

Jerry West, who has served as the NBA logo since 1969, died at the age of 86 at his home Wednesday morning. West spent several decades as both an NBA player and executive with the Los Angeles Lakers, and then later as the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies. The legendary guard won nine NBA titles as a player, executive or advisor during his career. West's moves helped build the Lakers' dynasty of the 1980s, and his acquisition of Kobe Bryant's draft rights, subsequent trade for Shaquille O'Neal and hiring of Phil Jackson as coach led to the organization's championships of the early 2000s. West was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006, and more recently he served as an advisor to the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.

Tributes from the basketball community -- including LeBron James and Pat Riley -- have been pouring in today. NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement about West's contributions to the sport shortly after his death. "Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league's first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname 'Mr. Clutch'."

NBA Finals -- Game 3: Celtics at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. | TV: ABC

• The Pick: Jrue Holiday Over 10.5 Rebounds & Assists (-137)
• Key trend: Holiday has registered at least 11 rebounds and assists in six consecutive games.

SportsLine expert Mike Barner is 7-3 in his last 10 NBA player prop picks.

• The Pick:"Jrue Holiday has totaled at least 13 combined rebounds and assists in both of the first two games in this series. Going back even further, he has finished with at least 11 combined rebounds and assists in eight of his last nine games. He logged 41 minutes in a close contest in Game 2, and with Kristaps Porzingis (lower leg) potentially out for Game 3, we should see another close score. Expect Holiday to play enough to reach this over."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the moneyline, while having "C" picks on the spread and total.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

Nationals at Tigers, 6:40 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Projection: Over 7.5 (-108)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total with "C" grades for the spread and moneyline for the contest. The over is 5-0 in the Tigers' last five games, so we'll back that trend to continue in this spot.

SportsLine expert picks:Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

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