The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are getting ready to face off against each other on Tuesday night in Dallas. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a prediction.

The Celtics are 15-15 and sixth in the Eastern Conference in a disappointing start for Boston. As for the Mavericks, the same is true, they have been disappointing as well. Rick Carlisle's team is 14-15 and in ninth in the Western Conference.

Here's how the sportsbooks set the odds for the Celtics-Mavericks game.

NBA Odds: Celtics vs Mavericks Odds

Boston Celtics -2.5 (-105)

Dallas Mavericks +2.5 (-115)

Over 223.5 (-115)

Under 223.5 (-105)

Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread

Kemba Walker Jayson Tatum Jaylen Brown Celtics

The Celtics can't be happy about how they've played lately, especially after blowing a 24-point lead against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. One of the favorites early in the season, they've stumbled to .500 and need to find a way to turn things around quickly.

However, Dallas is short-handed, as Maxi Kleber and Kristaps Porzingis are ruled out for Tuesday's game.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been the best players on the team by far and should both be named All-Star reserves, barring some unforeseen circumstance. Tatum is averaging 26 points with 7.1 boards and 4.6 assists and Brown is averaging 25.5 points with 5.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

The Mavericks don't have the Unicorn and it will mainly be a Luka Doncic show. As for the Celtics, the loss on Sunday must have stung hard and they will aim to rebound quickly in an effort to make up ground in the East.

Why The Mavericks Could Cover The Spread

Mavs, Luka Doncic

One word: Luka.

He's the best player on the team easily and was named a starter for the Western Conference for the All-Star Game next month. Doncic is averaging 28.8 points on the year with 8.6 rebounds and 9.3 assists while playing every game of the year.

Without Porzingis it will be tough, but Tim Hardaway Jr. played well the other night. Hardaway posted a huge stat line of 29 points on 9-14 from the field including seven 3-pointers on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jason Richardson, who came over in the offseason from the Philadelphia 76ers, scored 17 on 6-14 shooting and added seven boards himself.

Dallas has their hands full with the Celtics' duo of Tatum and Brown, but on the other hand, the Celtics have their hands full with Luka alone. If Hardaway can play as he did on Monday night, and Doncic plays like himself, it will be a tough victory for Boston.

Final Celtics-Mavericks Prediction & Pick

Ultimately the loss of Porzingis hurts more than most think it will. Doncic puts up huge numbers and drops 40 points. Unfortunately, Hardaway and Richardson barely scrape double figures and the duo of Tatum and Brown combined for 60 for the Celtics.

The Celtics weren't happy about the way they lost that Pelicans game and will use that as extra motivation to get back in the win column and move above the .500 mark.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Boston Celtics, 118, Dallas Mavericks 101 (Boston -2.5)