After winning the first two games of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics must go to a foreign land to face the Dallas Mavericks. If the locals do not win the first game in front of their home fans, they will be in a situation almost impossible to overcome.
The second game was much tighter than the first, as the Celtics could only win 105-98 against the Mavs, with an outstanding performance by point guard Jrue Holiday, who finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Once again, Luka Doncic was the best for Dallas with 32 units.
When and Where?
Wednesday, June 12, 8:30 pm ET at the American Airlines Center
Moneyline odds:
Mavericks 1.83
Celtics 2.00
Where can I watch it?
NBA League Pass
Why Bet on the Dallas Mavericks?
So far, the Dallas Mavericks have not finished finding the tools to appear in all their offensive splendor. However, defensively, the last game presented a greater challenge to the best offensive team in the NBA. In the second matchup at TD Garden, the Mavs lost 105-98, cutting the basket very well for Jayson Tatum but allowing Jrue Holiday to grow with 26 units.
So far, Dallas has guarded Tatum well, who does not look comfortable scoring points, but, this good work in his basket does not prevent other stars of the opposing quintet from making important plays, as in the cases of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. Despite that precedent, they have remained within striking distance.
While Jason Kidd looks for the solution to those problems, the Mavs continue to count on a Luka Doncic of high numbers, as this time he made 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. But as said previously, the Slovenian can’t do it alone. His second star, Kyrie Irving, must bring out the points and efficiency that characterize him. He comes from shooting 39% and did not make a single three-pointer in the second game.
Within all those problems to score points, PJ Washington has raised his hand, delivering penetrations and taking the few open shots the opponents allow.
Greg Brown is the only injury for Kidd.
Why Bet on the Boston Celtics?
The Boston Celtics are 2-0 up, have nine straight wins in the Playoffs, and the ring seems closer and closer. However, now they must turn the page and think about their first away game in the Finals.
The victory in the second match 105-98 relied on point guard Jrue Holiday, who scored 26 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and handed out three assists. The experience of the champion with the Bucks in 2021 was felt, once again.
But so far, the great figure of Boston in the Finals is Jaylen Brown, who comes from making 22 points in the first game and 21 in the second. The important baskets are coming out of his hands, and when the offense gets stuck, it’s his physical power that solves the problem. And thank goodness for the Celtics that Brown is showing up in this version, as Jayson Tatum is still divorced from the hoop. 16 and 18 points are his showings so far, although he is defending at an excellent level, and in the second game, he was one rebound shy of a triple-double.
The worrying thing for manager Joe Mazzulla is that Kristaps Porzingis was out with discomfort in the last game, so he will have to recover in the rest days given by the NBA before the third game. The Latvian is the best rim protector on the team and, from the bench, continues to contribute at a good level.
Final Betting Analysis: Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics
The Mavs are on a losing streak against Boston, having lost all four games this season against the Celtics, who have not lost at the American Airlines Arena since 2021.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have the Mavericks as the favorites. Their Moneyline shows 1.83, while the Celtics have 2.00.
After what was experienced in Boston, the story changes. Now the Dallas crowd will steal the show, which combined with the level of Luka Doncic will allow the Mavericks to start fighting in the series, especially because this should be the night where the magic of Kyrie Irving appears. We’ll go for the first victory for the locals in the series.
Go for a win for the Mavericks. If you bet $100 at 1.83, you will gain $83 for a total payout of $183.
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