After a tough semi-final series, the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will now do battle for the NBA’s ultimate prize. Only one can take home the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy and despite the Celtics being the opening favourites, this season has taught us that the NBA remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable competitions in the world of sport.
The Celtics possess an impressive regular season record, standing at 64-18, seven wins more than any other team. They then cruised through the conference play-offs with a 12-2 record. The Mavericks, however, are up for the challenge, with stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving consistently putting up 60-65 points per match. If the supporting cast also step up their game, Dallas can challenge anyone.
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Boston Celtics Vs Dallas Mavericks Game 1
Friday 7th June, 1:30AM
TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Live on TNT Sports and NBA League Pass
The Celtics’ 64 regular season victories is the most in one campaign since LeBron James spearheaded the Miami Heat side in 2012/13 and they certainly didn’t slow down during the playoffs. The Celtics will be looking to star man Jaylen Brown, who enters his seventh postseason in eight years with an average of 25 points on 54.1% shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
He was also awarded the Larry Bird Trophy as the MVP of the Eastern Conference. Another key figure is Jayson Tatum, with 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game in the playoff run, he has proven himself to be invaluable for Boston. It’s also pertinent to consider that if Kristaps Porzingis is able to regain fitness, he may have a significant swing on which way the final series goes.
The Mavericks, though, have been equally impressive. Seeing off Western Conference favourites Minnesota Timberwolves in convincing fashion, despite overwhelming odds against them, they brought the series to a close in just five games with a 4-1 aggregate victory. A large contributing factor to that victory was the involvement of Doncic.
He is a certified superstar with the second-best point scoring average in league history (31), behind only the great Michael Jordan. Doncic also boasts 9.1 assists per game – the highest average among all players in these playoffs – and has put up six triple-doubles through the first three series. Former Celtics man Irving will also be hoping he can play a decisive role in the series to stop his former team lifting their 18th title.
Boston Celtics Vs Dallas Mavericks Odds
The Celtics enter the tie as 1.40 favourites over the Mavs, who sit at 3.38 for the first game of the series.
Boston Celtics Vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change.
Star-Power
Often, NBA finals hinge on the superstars and the side with the best player takes the top prize. Not many people would argue with you saying Doncic is the best player in the NBA right now. As such, Doncic for MVP is 3.00.
Catalyst
Because of Doncic providing the X-factor, the Mavs are an eye-catching 1.85 to score more than 103.5 points in this first game.
Yours to lose
However, if you’re set on the Celtics you may fancy their star man Tatum for MVP. He currently sits at 1.80, the-odds on favourite.
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