Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, Game 5 Picks, Odds, News, Injury Report 6/17/24

Looking to extend the NBA Finals on Monday night, the Dallas Mavericks are 6.5-point underdogs on the road in Boston. Injury news has been a major factor in these Finals, and Dallas is dreaming of a historic fightback after their blowout win in Game 4.

We have analyzed the latest NBA Finals Game 5 odds to construct our Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks bet builder below.

With the NBA Finals still going, our Expert Insights are stacked with basketball betting tips. Expert Sam Cox will have his best bets throughout the remainder of the postseason.

Celtics vs Mavericks Prediction and Picks: 5.50 Bet Builder for Game 5

• Dallas Mavericks +6.5
• Dereck Lively II over 8.5 rebounds
• Under 210.5 points

Bet Builder Odds: 5.50/+450

Odds updated on June 17th 2024. 

This is a much more even matchup without Kristaps Porzingis. Boston is not as dynamic offensively, and they sorely miss his size on the defensive end. In what has been a low-scoring series to date, we are expecting a grind of a Game 5 with Dallas keeping it close, and perhaps snatching a win through some clutch magic from Doncic and Irving.

Dereck Lively II has had 25 rebounds over the last two games. The rookie center has been able to take advantage of Porzingis’ absence with Boston running much smaller lineups. Dallas can also leave Lively closer to the basket without the super-spaced lineups with Porzingis at the five.

Able to guard a non-shooter more often, Lively can do what he does best on the defensive end. On offense, his hops are invaluable for offensive rebounds. He had 10 rebounds by half-time in Game 4 – we’re backing him for another productive night at TD Garden.

Celtics vs Mavericks Game Info

• Stadium: TD Garden
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Start time: 01:30 UK time

Boston Celtics News, Injury Report, Schedule: Still No Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis has missed the last two games of this series, which has had a major impact on the pattern of play. Joe Mazzulla’s options are much more limited without the former New York Knick. While he’s still listed as questionable on the injury report, it would be a massive shock if Porzingis suited up tonight.

The Celtics are forced to lean more heavily on Al Horford. In non-Horford minutes, they go much smaller and slot Xavier Tillman in at the five. That gives Dallas more opportunities to attack the glass. Boston has said all the right things building up to this game, but they know they need to win this because going back to Texas with the series at 3-2 would be seriously risky.  

Dallas Mavericks News, Injury Report, Schedule: Signs of Hope

Luka Doncic is listed as probable. He’s been on the injury report for weeks with various niggles, but there’s no way he’s missing this game. Dallas had been far from its best in this series to date until Game 4.

Dereck Lively II finally found his Finals feet, grabbing 12 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. P.J. Washington made a couple of threes, and Kyrie Irving had his best game of the series. There was a formula there for the Mavs to win in Boston.

Celtics vs Mavericks H2H: Boston Has Won Seven of Last Eight

The Celtics are 46-40 in the all-time regular-season series. Boston, of course, is 3-1 in the playoffs against Dallas, as this is the first time the teams have competed against each other in the Finals.

Boston has won seven of the last eight games across the regular season and playoffs. Dallas won four straight across 2021 and 2022, though, and they have proven they can get big wins on the road.

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