The Dallas Mavericks travel to Boston to take on the Celtics on Thursday. This is the second and final meeting of the season between the teams. Boston won the first matchup 122-107 on January 25. The game will be played at TD Garden with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Dallas is 26-25 on the season and has lost three straight games. The team recently traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, who may make his Mavericks debut in this game. Boston is 36-15 and has won four straight games, coming off a 112-105 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Celtics Preview – Defending Champs Still Going Strong
Boston has been strong defensively during its winning streak. The Celtics held the Cavaliers to 39.6% shooting in their last game. The team also forced 10 steals and six blocks.
Jayson Tatum leads the team in scoring, averaging over 25 points per game. Kristaps Porzingis has been a key presence inside, averaging 19 points and seven rebounds per game. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown add scoring and defensive versatility.
The Celtics are one of the best home teams in the NBA with a 20-6 record at TD Garden. They have been dominant against Dallas, winning nine of the last 10 matchups. The Celtics rank fifth in the NBA in points allowed per game at 108.4.
Mavericks Preview – Team Looks Different without Star
Dallas is adjusting to life without Luka Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers. Anthony Davis may debut for the team after recovering from an abdominal injury. He is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game this season.
Kyrie Irving has taken on a larger role, scoring 34 points in the team’s last game against Philadelphia. Max Christie, acquired in the trade, added 15 points in that loss. The team also recently acquired Caleb Martin, who is averaging 9.1 points per game this season.
Dallas has struggled on the road with a 12-15 record. The team has also struggled defensively, allowing 115.3 points per game. They will need improved defensive play to compete with Boston.
Betting Prediction
Boston is favored by 9.5 points at home. The total is set at 229.5. Boston has won nine of the last 10 meetings and covered the spread in eight of those games.
Dallas is still adjusting to its new lineup. If Anthony Davis plays, he could make an impact, but the Celtics’ defense should be too strong. Boston should win and cover the spread at home.
Pick: Boston Celtics -9.5
This should be a pretty good game in the National Basketball Association. These two teams have high aspirations to get to the Finals. The Celtics are the defending champions and a little more battle-tested. That is why we are taking the home team.
