Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 17/06/2024, 06:00  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 17/06/2024 at 08:09 in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics return home for game five of the 2023/24 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. They lead the series 3-1 and victory here will confirm an unprecedented 18th championship. The Celtics missed their chance to close out this series in game four and will be adamant this doesn’t happen again here. Joe Mazzulla’s men had won the first three matches against Dallas and were on a 10-match winning streak before game four. That streak would be rudely interrupted with a 38-point blowout. A silver lining from this though is that they now have the chance to win their first title since 2008 on home court. Boston, who were on a seven-match winning run against Dallas before game four, had no player score more than 15 points on Saturday. Boston, who are set to be without Kristaps Porzingis for a third successive match, have averaged 98.3 points over their last three games.

The Dallas Mavericks kept their season and slim hopes of winning this year’s title alive with an emphatic performance in game four. Jason Kidd’s men were facing elimination and avoided getting swept. This was their best performance in the finals. Not only did they win but it was the first game in this series that they had scored at least 100 points. Luka Doncic once again lead the team with a 29-point scoring night while Kyrie Irving put up 21. A total of five players managed to score in double figures. Rookie Derrick Lively recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Dallas now need another big performance in Boston to force game six back home. They are seeking to become the first team to come back from a 3-0 hole in the playoffs. The Mavs had everything going their way in game four. They shot 40% from three and 50% from the field. Dallas, who are seeking a first title since 2011, have averaged 106.3 points over their last three fixtures.