Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Picks, Odds, News, Injury Report 6/12/24

The Dallas Mavericks are firmly in must-win territory as they take on the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. Trailing 2-0, Dallas knows the series is all but over if they suffer a third straight loss. Boston, though, is facing the pressure of expectation.

Not only in a commanding position in the series, the Celtics are gunning for just their second title since 1986. Current Game 3 odds have the Celtics as narrow underdogs, but where does the value lie when it comes to a Mavericks vs Celtics prediction?

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

Mavericks vs Celtics Prediction and Picks: Dallas Gets Back Into the Series

• Selection: Dallas Mavericks -2.5
• Best Odds: 1.91
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stakes: 5/10

Odds updated on June 12th, 2024. 

Even if Porzingis is able to play a part on Wednesday, he’s not going to be as mobile, and the pain is bound to impact his performance. While Dallas has been outplayed in the first two games, they are surely going to shoot better than 24.5% from three on their home floor.

Boston might expect to score more efficiently, too, especially with how inefficient Jayson Tatum has been, but they caught fire from deep in Game 1, and have seen both Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown put up numbers.

There have been murmurings of a sweep, but that seems unlikely with how Dallas has played this postseason. We are expecting a fightback from the Mavs in Game 3 – there’s value in taking them to cover this small spread.

Game Info

• Stadium: American Airlines Center
• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Start time: 01:30 UK time

Dallas Mavericks News, Injury Report, Schedule: Need More From Kyrie

Boston’s defense has stifled the Mavericks’ offense through the first two games. The Celtics’ size has held Kyrie Irving to 13-for-37 from the field and just 28 points. With only two proper shot creators on the roster, Dallas needs more from Irving if they are to make a series of this.

There are concerns about Luka Doncic’s health. He is listed as questionable for this game, but he’s been on the injury report for most of this postseason, and that didn’t stop him dropping a 32-point triple-double in Game 2.

Dallas needs more scoring from their role players. Some of that could be opened up by Porzingis limitations/absence – Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively will be much more dangerous on the roll without Porzingis loitering.

Boston Celtics News, Injury Report, Schedule: Porzingis Injury Changes Series

Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in Game 2. This unusual-sounding injury has Porzingis listed as day-to-day. While the Latvian says he will try and get on the court, this decision is going to be in the hands of Boston.

Porzingis’ injury has the potential to swing this series. His combination of rim protection, three-point shooting, and post-ups have unlocked something for the Celtics. Even if he plays, his mobility is going to be limited, and the Celtics will have to be careful with his minutes.

Outside of Porzingis’ injury, Boston can be very confident. Their offense is doing enough even with Jayson Tatum struggling from the field. Jrue Holiday has been a two-way force. It looks like their series to lose.

Mavericks vs Celtics H2H: History Is Relatively Even Prior to Finals

The Celtics lead the head-to-head 2-0 in this series. Boston also has a 46-40 advantage in the all-time regular-season series.

The Celtics have won four consecutive games against the Mavericks, but it’s worth noting the Mavs won four in a row against the Celtics before this streak.

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