Boston Celtics (46-12) vs Dallas Mavericks (34-25)
Game Info: Friday, March 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm (TD Garden)
Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -9.5 -- Over/Under: 240 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Dallas Mavericks travel to the TD Garden to take on the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Here’s a Mavs vs Celtics Prediction.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been playing some of their best basketball of the season to win eight of their last 10 games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after taking down the Raptors in a 136-125 road win on Wednesday. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 30 points with 11 rebounds and 16 assists, Kyrie Irving added 29 points while PJ Washington chipped in with 23 points, six rebounds and three blocks. As a team, the Mavericks shot 54 percent from the field and 15 of 43 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Raptors early on and trailed going into halftime, before they took control of the contest with a 40-point explosion in the third quarter to take a 15-point lead.
Boston Celtics
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been on fire as they've won 11 of their last 12 games overall and they will be looking to build on their current nine-game win streak after routing the 76ers in a 117-99 win on Tuesday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 31 points on 11 of 14 shooting, Jayson Tatum added 29 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists while Kristaps Porzingis chipped in with 23 points and 12 rebounds. As a team, the Celtics shot 52 percent from the field and just five of 22 from the 3-point line as they traded with the 76ers in a closely contested first half, before they clicked into gear and ran away with it in the second half where they poured in 64 points to win comfortably at home.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Jayson Tatum is one of only four players in the league to be leading his team for points, rebounds and assists this season.
- Kristaps Porzingis is one of only five qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 threes and 1.5 blocks this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+10.4).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (47.1).
- The Mavericks rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.9).
- The Mavericks rank 2nd in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (75.8%).
Mavs vs Celtics Prediction
The Mavericks could be shorthanded here with Luka Doncic currently listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain, while the Celtics are coming into this one with a full squad. The Mavericks are definitely in season-best form at the moment and they looked great in their big win over the Raptors on Wednesday, but it's going to be tough to hang with the red-hot Celtics who have barely missed a step in their last 12 games. The Mavericks can certainly make this competitive if Doncic can suit up and have a big game, but with his status still uncertain, I'm more comfortable going with the surging Celtics to stay hot with another win and cover at home.
Peter’s Pick Boston -9.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
