Boston Celtics vs
Dallas MavericksPredictions & Preview

Dallas Mavericks Hope to Turn the Tide as NBA Finals Shift to Home Court against Celtics

The NBA Finals have moved to Dallas as the Mavericks aim to bounce back after the Celtics claimed the first two games of the series. The Celtics secured a 105-98 victory in Game 2, giving them a strong lead in the championship series. Game 3 is set to begin at 8:30 EST at the American Airlines Center, with Dallas favored to win by -2. The betting line has remained unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Celtics +110 | Mavericks -130
• Spread: Celtics +2 (-110) | Mavericks -2 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 212.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Dallas will win straight-up is 57%.

Boston vs Dallas Stats

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are now just two wins away from securing their 18th NBA Championship after a strong performance in Game 2 on their home court. They dominated the middle quarters of the game, scoring 29 points in both the second and third quarters and shooting 51.1% during that stretch. The Celtics hit 10 three-pointers and shot 19-20 from the free throw line, contributing to their overall shooting percentage of 45.2% in the win. Boston's offense has been strong throughout the postseason, averaging 110.7 points per game on 47.8% shooting from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. On the defensive end, they forced 15 turnovers out of the Mavericks and held them to just 93.5 points per game in the Finals. Unfortunately, Boston center Kristaps Prozingis is dealing with a debilitating knee injury, putting his availability for the remainder of the series in question. Overall, the Celtics have impressive statistics, ranking high in offense and defense throughout the season. They have a strong field goal percentage, three-point shooting percentage, and rebounding average, making them a formidable force in the postseason.

Dallas Mavericks Analysis

The Dallas Mavericks showed a strong start in Game 2 against Boston, holding a three-point lead after the first quarter but ultimately fell short. Despite outrebounding their opponents and Luka Doncic recording his seventh triple-double of the postseason, the team struggled offensively, shooting just 47.5% from the field and 23.1% from beyond the arc. On defense, they allowed opponents to score an average of 104.1 points per game in the postseason. The Mavericks have a power ranking of 11 and are ranked 9th in offense, averaging 115.88 points per game. Their defense ranks 16th, giving up 113.56 points per game. In their last three matchups, Boston went 0-3 against Dallas. The Mavericks excel in field goal shooting, three-point shooting, and rebounding but struggle with turnovers and free throw percentage. Despite Luka Doncic battling injuries, he continues to be a key player for the team, leading in points, assists, and rebounds in Game 2.

Boston Celtics Look to Capitalize on Strong Performance Against Dallas Mavericks

Boston secured a seven-point victory in their most recent game, bringing their average margin of victory in this series to 12.5 points per game. Despite the Porzingis injury, I believe Boston is well-equipped to maintain their lead. Al Horford has proven himself as a valuable player, and the team has shown resilience in Porzingis' absence. On the other hand, Doncic appears to be struggling with physical issues that may impede his performance. As the star player for Dallas, his condition heavily impacts the team's success. Boston's undefeated record on the road in the postseason presents a prime opportunity for them to dominate against the Mavericks. Considering these factors, it is advisable to support the Celtics in this matchup.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]