In a marquee matchup that could possibly preview the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks bring in the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. The tip-off for the game is set for 7:30 p.m., and it will be broadcast on TNT.
Boston Celtics have Cooled Down
Boston (26-12) has cooled down some since starting out 18-4. The Celtics have gone 5-5 over their last ten outings and are currently on a two-game skid. This matchup will mark the third of a four-game road swing, and Boston will aim to rebound from losses to Denver and Oklahoma City.
The latter was a 150-117 defeat Tuesday, even though the Thunder was missing its top scorer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Their 150 points set a record for the highest output since the franchise moved to Oklahoma from Seattle. The ever-reliable duo of Jaylen Brown (29 points) and Jayson Tatum (27) led Boston in the scoring department.
Dallas Mavericks, the Hottest Team in the League
The Mavericks (22-16) might be the hottest team in the league. They’ve won seven consecutive NBA matchups and are coming off a successful two-game in-state road trip.
Luka Doncic has been on an unbelievable tear, bucketing at least 30 points six times in a row. Against the New York Knicks on Dec. 27, he poured in an eye-popping 60.
On Monday, Dallas beat Houston, 111-106, after digging itself out of an 18-point hole in the second half. Doncic totaled 39 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in the victory. The team shot 42% and went 13-of-43 from beyond the arc.
Let’s take a closer look here at this clash between some of the best teams in the NBA.
It’ll be a big help to look at some NBA team stats and the Celtics vs Mavericks odds.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Odds
Now, for the Celtics vs Mavericks odds. The lines list Boston as the favorite here, which is interesting because they’re on the road, and Dallas has been the team on the roll as of late.
We’ve laid out most of the scene, and the important facts for this matchup, so let’s take a quick look at injuries and scorers.
Matchup Information
Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Betting Analysis
Now that we are done with the Celtics vs Mavericks odds, let’s take a close look at the teams. Of course, we’ll want to know who both teams’ top performers are, as well as who might not be on the floor for this matchup.
Tatum paces the Celtics with 30.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Point guard Marcus Smart helps on the offensive end (7.4 assists per matchup) and the other side (1.3 steals).
Doncic is tops in NBA player stats when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. He’s good for 34.3 points per game, along with 8.9 assists — which ranks fourth in the league.
Injury Report
A relatively healthy bunch, forward Danilo Gallinari is the only player on the Boston Celtics injury report. He’s been nursing a knee injury since October and plans to rehab in Boston to be around the team.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Now that we’ve seen the NBA odds and how strong both teams have been on the NBA schedule, we can make our NBA picks. Doncic has been ridiculous, but the Celtics have a tandem of scorers that can match his propensity for putting up numbers.
It would be a real treat to see this pair of crews fight for a title later on in the calendar. While Tatum and Brown might be able to do some damage, Doncic seems unstoppable. Combined with the fact that his side is playing in front of a friendly crowd, the wagering choices favor the Mavericks.
With our Dallas Mavericks predictions, go with them to cover, if not win outright here.
It’s a great chance to make some money while watching good basketball
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