The Dallas Mavericks visit the Boston Celtics for an NBA game at TD Garden. The Mavericks hold a 21-41 record this season. They are 7-22 on the road and are coming off a five-game losing streak. Jason Kidd’s team is ranked 12th in the Western Conference.
The Boston Celtics have a 41-21 record and are 20-10 at home. They recently lost their last game but remain 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Joe Mazzulla’s team aims to bounce back with a strong performance on their home court.
Dallas Mavericks Team Preview
The Dallas Mavericks are having a tough stretch with recent losses. They lost their last game against the Orlando Magic by one point, with a score of 115-114. Cooper Flagg contributed 18 points, but his shooting was not as accurate, making only 31.8% of his field goal attempts.
In the previous game against the Charlotte Hornets, the Mavericks fell short by 27 points. Their field goal percentage was 37.8%, which contributed to their defeat. Brandon Williams was one of the top performers in that game, scoring 18 points.
The Mavericks have some players out and others questionable due to injuries. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are out for the rest of the season. Marvin Bagley III and Brandon Williams are uncertain to play in the next game due to their injuries.
Boston Celtics Team Preview
The Boston Celtics have had mixed results in their recent games. They won against the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 108-81. However, they lost to the Charlotte Hornets by 29 points, with a score of 118-89.
Jaylen Brown has been a key player for the Celtics. He averages 28.9 points per game and has a field goal percentage of 48.0%. Derrick White also contributes with 17.3 points per game and shoots 39.2% from the field.
The Celtics have strong defensive stats this season. They allow the fewest points per game at 107.1 and have the second-best field goal percentage allowed at 44.1%. However, Jayson Tatum is questionable due to a torn right Achilles tendon.
Betting Prediction
The Celtics have a strong defense, which allows only 107.1 points per game, the best in the league. This should help them manage the Mavericks, who score 113.5 points per game. The Celtics’ ability to limit opponent scoring can keep the game under the total of 223.5 points.
Both teams have different playing styles. The Mavericks play at a fast pace with 101.8 possessions per game, while the Celtics have the slowest pace with 94.2 possessions per game. The Celtics’ slower pace could control the flow, leading to fewer points overall.
The Mavericks’ defense allows 117.6 points per game, but their strong three-point defense limits opponents to 34.1%. The Celtics rely on three-point shots, making 15.4 per game. If the Mavericks can slow down Boston’s long-range shooting, it could further help keep the total under 223.5 points.
- Pick: Under 223.5 (-110)
