We're back with a betting prediction and pick for today's NBA slate as we turn our attention towards this next cross-conference clash. The Boston Celtics (31-18) will take on the Dallas Mavericks (19-30) in their first game against one another this season. Check our NBA odds series for the Celtics-Mavericks prediction and pick.
The Boston Celtics are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings after a 107-79 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. They're a very solid 7-3 over their last 10 games and are keeping pace with the Knicks in the standings, so expect this to be another momentum-building game for them.
The Dallas Mavericks are 12th in the Western Conference, most recently falling 111-107 to the Houston Rockets. After winning four-straight games, they've now dropped four in a row and will be avoiding another lengthy losing skid if they can win at home at underdogs.
NBA odds courtesy of DraftKings
Celtics vs. Mavericks Odds
Boston Celtics: -7.5 (-110)
Dallas Mavericks: +7.5 (-110)
Over: 223.5 (-110)
Under: 223.5 (-110)
Celtics vs. Mavericks Key Injuries
Boston: Jayson Tatum (achilles – OUT)
Dallas: Brandon Williams (leg – Questionable) / Anthony Davis (finger – OUT) / Dante Exum (knee – OUT) / Kyrie Irving (knee – OUT) / Dereck Lively II (foot – OUT) / PJ Washington (concussion – OUT)
Celtics vs. Mavericks Betting Trends
- The Dallas Mavericks are 14-14 at home. The Boston Celtics are 15-10 on the road.
- The Celtics have gone 24-11 as betting favorites. The Mavericks are 11-22 as underdogs.
- The Mavericks are 23-26 ATS overall, 16-12 ATS at home. The Celtics are 27-22 ATS overall, 15-10 ATS on the road.
- The Celtics are 8-2 outright, 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games against the Mavericks.
- The Celtics are 2-4 ATS in their last six games.
- The Mavericks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games.
- The total has gone UNDER in Boston's last five consecutive games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the Mavericks' last 15 games.
Keys to Celtics vs. Mavericks Matchup
With both of these two teams meeting for the first time, we'll be treated to a new matchup between veteran players of the Celtics and a number of young emerging stars for the Mavericks. Due to the lingering injury keeping Anthony Davis out of the Mavs' lineup, this season has been all about the growth and development of Cooper Flagg as the top rookie in the NBA. He's leading the odds to win the award and in posting a career-high 49 points just two games ago, he should be in line for a fruitful career in Dallas.
The Boston Celtics, however, have prided themselves on the defensive end this season and they'll surely come up with a game plan to stop the young rookie. The Celtics may be the slightly smaller team lacking size against this Mavericks' lineup, but their ability to switch into the zone and create turnovers could become a problem for the young Dallas core.
Celtics' Jaylen Brown has also been playing at an All-Star level and the last few months have seen him grow into a potential MVP candidate. He's become the sole scoring benefactor with Jayson Tatum out, while both Derrick White and Payton Pritchard continue to grow into reliable starters. White added another eight assists their last time out and has team-high assists in three of their last five games. Look for White to continue dishing the ball as they should be able to break through the Dallas passing lanes en route to high-percentage shots.
The Dallas Mavericks have notably beaten much better teams than themselves this season and as a result, they've done a solid job playing as the betting underdogs receiving points. If Cooper Flagg can continue to create his own shot and land opportunities at the free-throw line, he should be able to keep his team within striking range until the final quarter.
Celtics vs. Mavericks Prediction and Pick
This will be an interesting meeting between these two squads as both sides are riding opposite waves of momentum heading into this one. The Celtics are continuing to keep pace along the top of the Eastern Conference and they haven't dropped many games as the heavy betting favorites as they are here. The Mavericks, while struggling at the moment, have been a sneaky underdog to watch all season and could surprise the Celtics behind another big game from Cooper Flagg.
I expect the Mavericks to keep things close throughout the second half of this game, but the Boston Celtics have been known to gain a lead and be able to hold onto it. The Mavericks haven't been as consistent in coming back from large deficits, so we'll roll with the Celtics to cover the spread. Still, expect another massive game from Cooper Flagg that will keep the Mavericks competitive early in this one.
Final Celtics-Mavericks Prediction & Pick: Boston Celtics -7.5 (-110); OVER 223.5 (-110)
