The Mavericks are at a crossroads after the Luka Doncic trade, while the Celtics look amazing and are currently playing dominant basketball. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Mavericks-Celtics prediction and pick.

The Mavericks made a giant trade to acquire Anthony Davis from the Lakers for Luka Doncic. They have a 26-25 record and have lost three straight games and two straight since Luka was traded. Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving have the reigns over this offense in this game because Anthony Davis is unavailable still. This would be a giant statement for the Mavericks if they could pull this win off.

The Celtics look dominant and play like the best team in the NBA. They have a 36-15 record, winning three, four, and five of their last six games. They still have so much talent and depth as a team and overwhelm almost anyone. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the best duo in the NBA, and they have a chance to put on a big show in this matchup against the Mavericks.

Here are the Mavericks-Celtics NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

NBA Odds: Mavericks-Celtics Odds

Dallas Mavericks: +10.5 (-112)

Moneyline: +385

Boston Celtics: -10.5 (-108)

Moneyline: -500

Over: 230 (-110)

Under: 230 (-110)

How To Watch Mavericks vs. Celtics

Time: 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT

TV: TNT/TruTV/Max

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Mavericks Could Cover the Spread/Win

The Mavericks are a great offensive team, but with Doncic traded, this offense is undergoing a transition. They are 11th in scoring with 115.3 points per game, eighth in field-goal percentage (47.6%), and 10th in three-point percentage (36.7%). Ten different Mavericks have averaged more than double digits in scoring, proving how much balance this offense has.

Irving is the lynchpin of this offense with Doncic gone. Irving is the scoring and assists leader, averaging 24.5 points and 4.8 assists per game. Davis is not expected to be available in this matchup, but PJ Washington should be after missing the most recent game. Max Christie, PJ Washington, and Thompson should see an expanded role on offense because the Mavericks need more help with Doncic gone and Davis not on the court yet.

The Mavericks' defense has been solid at best but should improve once Davis starts playing. They are 16th in scoring defense, at 113.4 points per game, ninth in field-goal defense, at 45.8%, and 20th in three-point defense, at 36.5%.

With Lively injured and Davis unavailable, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford are the most significant keys down low and on the glass. Washington is the rebounding leader, averaging 8.4 per game, and Daniel Gafford is the block leader, averaging 1.8 per game.

The on-ball defense has also suffered without Doncic. Still, Irving and Washington are tied for the team lead in steals, with 1.2 per game. This defense is also undergoing a major transition, and it might be a major challenge due to how well the Celtics are playing coming into this game.

Why the Celtics Could Cover the Spread/Win

The Celtics have been one of the NBA's most dominant offenses. They are fifth in scoring at 117.2 points per game, 20th in field-goal percentage at 45.8%, and 11th in three-point percentage at 36.6%.

Six different Celtics are averaging more than double digits, and Tatum is the best scorer on the team, averaging 26.9 points per game. Tatum also leads the team in assists with 5.7 per game. Tatum makes this team go, but Brown helps make up the best-scoring duo in the NBA, averaging 23.3 points per game.

Tatum and Brown have so much help next to them, as highlighted by Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. The Celtics are very healthy, while the Mavericks are not and are dealing with a transition as a team. The Celtics are smooth sailing and have that edge, especially on this side of the court.

The Celtics' defense might be better than their offense. They are sixth in scoring defense at 108.4 points per game, second in field-goal percentage defense at 45.1%, and seventh in three-point defense at 35.2%.

The frontcourt has depth, but the two best players are Tatum and Porzingis. He leads the team in rebounding with 8.8 per game. Two players average at least one block, and Porzingis is the block leader, averaging 1.6 per game.

Regarding on-ball defense, three Celtics average at least one steal, and Tatum is the steals leader, averaging 1.3 per game. This Celtics defense is so versatile that it is a huge factor against a Mavericks offense, with many questions surrounding it.

Final Mavericks-Celtics Prediction & Pick

The Celtics are healthy and are the better team. The Mavericks have too many questions surrounding them after the Doncic trade, and they are still figuring out their lineup. Irving is great but can only do so much on his own. The Celtics overwhelm the Mavericks, win, and cover behind Tatum and Brown at home to extend their winning streak.

Final Mavericks-Celtics Prediction & Pick: Boston Celtics -10.5 (-108)