Dallas Mavericks (50-32) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18)
The NBA Finals are set to begin with an electrifying Game 1 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. The Mavericks, who finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, will face off against the Celtics, who boasted an impressive 64-18 record. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 8:30 PM ET at the TD Garden, and will be broadcast on ABC. As fans and bettors alike eagerly await the tip-off, let’s dive into an in-depth analysis of both teams’ statistics, key players, and betting trends to make informed NBA Finals picks and predictions.
The Dallas Mavericks have been doing a good job especially in the durations of the postseason. So in 17 playoff games they scored 107.9 points per game and shot a percentage of 47.1% from the field. Their outside shooting has been a major plus for the team with 12.6 three-pointers being made per game at 37.2% success rate. However the Mavericks have some weakness in their striking front and need to correct some bad manners like free throw shooting where they stand at 72. 8%. Also, their defense has been good with 43.1 total rebounds per game inclusive of 11.4 offensive rebounds.
The Boston Celtics have outperformed all other teams in this round by a wide margin. Throughout 14 games, they have scored 111.4 points per game which truly demonstrates the want of efficiency with their field-goal shooting at 48%. It means that their three-point shooting has been very effective taking an average of 14.6 made per game at a 36.8% success rate. An aspect of the team that the Celtics have been outstanding in is free throw shooting, where they stand at an average of 79.7% . The defensive form has been just as impressive with the average of 43.7 total rebounds, and 33.8 defensive ones proving that the team owns the glass.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Game Info
| When: | Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Luka Doncic (PG) vs. Jayson Tatum (SF)
Luka Doncic has been undoubtedly Mavs’ biggest star in the current postseason. With the playing average time of 41.5 minutes per game, Doncic has shown outstanding performance scoring an average of 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. Casting for three-point shots, Ellis is a key player to Dallas’ performance. But his 3.9 turnovers per game might be a weakness that Boston will try to capitalize on.
Jayson Tatum of the Celtics has had an equally good season in terms of outputs. In the 40.5 minutes of the average game, he has scored an average of 26 points, wheeled down for 10.4 rebounds and dealt out 5.9 assists. Tatum can shoot from the perimeter and paint and his form on defense also makes him important to the side from Boston. His turnovers per game at 2.4 shows he has good control of the ball and the free throw shooting at 79.7% is another bonus for his offense.
When the Doncic and Tatum are on the floor, its struggle anticipates the work of intellects and strategies. Doncis’s ability to not only handle the ball but also put the points on the board will pressure Boston’s defense to lock him down while Tatum’s three-point shooting, rebounding, and playmaking will put pressure on Dallas to either double down on him or play him man-to-man. This was shaping up as a big story because the play makers’ performance could well determine the game’s result..
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Boston Celtics -247, Total Odds: 214.5
The current betting odds favor the Boston Celtics with a -6.5 point spread and a moneyline of -247. The Mavericks are the underdogs with a +6.5 point spread and a moneyline of +200. The total points for the game are set at 214.5, with the over and under both at -110. Given Boston’s superior regular-season record and home-court advantage, they are expected to have the upper hand. However, Dallas’s ability to perform well on the road adds an interesting dynamic to the betting landscape.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
The Mavericks are 3-2 in their last five games and have shown resilience against the spread, also holding a 3-2 record. Notably, they are 27-14 in road games against the spread, indicating their strong performance away from home. The total points have gone over in two of their last five games, and in 16 of their last 41 home games, suggesting a tendency towards high-scoring matches.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Similarly, the Celtics have been consistent but not exceptional against the spread, with a 19-19 record in their road games. They have seen the total go over in four of their last five games, indicating a trend towards higher-scoring affairs, especially at home.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics 6/6/24 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and current trends, the Boston Celtics appear to be the stronger pick for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Their overall postseason performance, combined with home-court advantage, gives them a significant edge. However, the Mavericks’ impressive road performance cannot be overlooked. Bettors might find value in considering the Mavericks to cover the spread, especially given their solid record away from home.
For those looking at prop bets and over/under options, considering the recent trends of both teams, the total points going over 214.5 seems a viable bet. With the best bookie software, you can find competitive odds and make informed betting decisions based on these insights.
