Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 11/06/2024, 23:31  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 11/06/2024 at 23:35 in NBA Predictions

The Dallas Mavericks will welcome the Boston Celtics for game three of the 2023/24 NBA Finals. They are seeking to get back in the series after losing the first two games in Boston. The Mavericks are in a hole and will hope being home for the first time in this finals sparks a turnaround. Jason Kidd’s men have yet to score 100 points in this series and lost 105-98 in game two. This was a much better performance from them as in game one they were outdone by 18 points. Luka Doncic has been the only player from both teams to score 30 in this series and did so in both games. The guard, who is struggling with injuries throughout the playoffs, put up a 32-point triple-double in game two. Dallas will be hoping their star player maintains this form and the rest of his teammates put up better numbers. No other player has scored at least 20 points for Dallas in this series. The Mavs, who are in the finals for the first time in 13 years, have lost three of their last four matches. They are averaging 106.4 points and shooting 46.8% from the field.

The Celtics have dominated in the playoffs and are currently on a nine-game winning streak. Boston, who have lost just twice in the entire postseason, are now just two wins away from a record-extending 18th title. Joe Mazzulla’s men are yet to lose an away match in these playoffs. Coupling the above with their dominance in this fixture, they are favourites to emerge victors. The Celtics have won the last six meetings with the Mavericks and two of those wins have come on the road. Boston have been boosted by the return of centre Kristaps Porzingis who had missed five weeks before suiting up in game one. The former Maverick put up 20 points in game one and then 12 in game two. He helps in spacing the floor and with Boston possessing a much deeper roster than Dallas they have dominated. The Celtics, who are averaging 110.7 points in the postseason, had four players score at least 18 points in game two. Jrue Holiday, who is considered the fourth option on the team, led the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Porzingis remains on the injury report and is questionable for game three.