Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics betting tips and predictions for Thursday’s NBA game on TNT. The Celtics are looking to put a hold on a 2-game slide against a Mavericks side they’ve already beaten once this season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Dallas Mavericks
Timing is everything in the NBA these days and with the Mavericks winning their last 7 games, facing a team like the Celtics couldn’t come at a better time for them. They’ll be highly motivated to get revenge for their 125-112 defeat at TD Garden from earlier in the season. Luka Doncic had 42 points in that game, after seeing him score 51 and 60 in 2 of his last 4 games the Celtics could be in a lot of trouble if he gets it going early tonight. The Mavs are one of the better home teams in the NBA at 15-5 SU this season, but despite that they enter tonight’s game as 3-point underdogs. They’ve beaten the Celtics 9 times in the last 12 home games, however they’ve not fared well vs Eastern Conference opponents lately winning just 2 of 10 games.
Boston Celtics
Robert Williams III is expected back in the Cs line-up tonight, the leaky Celtics defense could definitely use him after getting destroyed by the Oklahoma City Thunder 150-117 in their last game. Boston allowed 40+ points in 2 quarters of that game, that’s pretty alarming considering the Thunder played without their best player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum did their best with 29 and 27 points, but those type of efforts are worthless if the defensive side of things isn’t working. Boston has had serious issues covering the spread on the road lately, failing to do so in their last 5 outings. However, they will be encouraged by the fact they are 11-4 SU in their last 15 games vs Western Conference opponents.
Momentum is on the Mavericks side here, Doncic is producing historic performances game after game and I’m just not sure how Boston is able to slow him down here. Dallas has owned the head-to-head meetings at home, I think they continue to do so tonight as well, so let’s back the Mavericks to cover here.
Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Predictions & Odds
The oddsmakers are expecting a lot of points here as the projected total has been set at 230 points. Both teams are in great rhythm offensively, and we saw their first meeting of the season produce 237 points a little over a month ago. These teams rank 1st and 4th in offensive efficiency scoring 115.6 and 113.3 points per 100 possessions respectively.
Although they play at a slower tempo, the Mavericks are known for going over the total in their home games this season, doing so 13 times in the 20 games played at American Airlines Center. After seeing the Celtics allow 150 and 123 points in their last 2 games, I have a hard time believing they can hold Doncic and the Mavs to under 120 points here. This game has a high scoring result written all over it, so let’s back the points.
