The Celtics are 2-1 on this road trip and continue to whittle away at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lead in the Eastern Conference. They started this road trip with a 108-92 loss to Sacramento on Feb. 8. They then pulled off two wins with the first being a 120-111 victory on Feb. 9 in Portland. The Celtics then beat Utah 112-104 on Feb. 11.
The struggling Mavericks have pulled off two straight wins at home. On Feb. 9, they beat Utah 112-105 in OT. Then on the 11th they hosted Orlando, taking them down 112-80. Thus far on this home stand they are 2-1 with the one loss being 114-113 to Portland on Feb. 7.
Boston Celtics
Guard Marcus Smart (10.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 37 FG%) may see additional action tonight, as will guard Terry Rozier (5.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 38 FG%). Center Kelly Olynyk (9.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 51 FG%) offers a solid inside presence and a solid shot.
Dallas Mavericks
In the frontcourt SF Harrison Barnes (20.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 48 FG%) leads the team in scoring. PF Dirk Nowitzki (13.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 41 FG%) is a fine inside-out player, hitting 38% of his threes. Guards J.J. Barea and Seth Curry both offer double-digit scoring.
Boston Plays Dallas NBA Free Pick
The Celtics are averaging 108.3 PPG while the Mavs are putting in 98.2 PPG. Boston’s points allowed ands at 105.8, while Dallas is stingier at 100.2. Boston’s offensive efficiency is at 109.5, which is sixth in the NBA. Dallas’s efficiency is 104.5 (18th). On the defensive end, Boston and Dallas are 19th and 17th at 106.3 and 106.0 respectively.
In making our Boston plays Dallas NBA free pick, we see this as a close one to call. We’re taking the Celtics at -1.5 and the over at 208.5.