Boston has won four consecutive games. On February 5th, the Celtics defeated their main conference rival, Cleveland, on the road, 112-105. Jason Tatum played a key role, scoring 22 points, grabbing four rebounds, and providing seven assists. Al Horford recorded a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists). Derrick White added 20 points, Kristaps Porzingis had 19, and Jaylen Brown contributed 16. Under Joe Mazzulla’s leadership, the Celtics (36-15) sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Injuries and Suspensions: Boston will start the match with their full roster. All key players are healthy and ready to play.
Key Betting Facts: Boston scores an average of 109 points per game in their recent matchups with Dallas (last 10 games).
Projected Starting Lineup: Derrick White — Jrue Holiday — Jaylen Brown — Jason Tatum — Kristaps Porzingis.
Dallas has lost three consecutive games. On February 5th, the Mavericks, without Luka Dončić, were defeated by Philadelphia 116-118 despite being the favorites. Kyrie Irving was the standout player, scoring 34 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Najee Marshall added 19 points, Max Christie had 15, Dante Exum also recorded 15, while Clay Thompson and Daniel Gafford contributed 12 points each. Under Jason Kidd, Dallas (26-25) is currently in 8th place in the Western Conference.
Injuries and Suspensions: Dallas is facing injuries to two key players: Anthony Davis, who joined from the Lakers, and P.J. Washington.
Key Betting Facts: Dallas scores an average of 103 points per game in their recent matchups with Boston (last 10 games).
Projected Starting Lineup: Kyrie Irving — Clay Thompson — Max Christie — Spencer Dinwiddie — Daniel Gafford.
Boston is in excellent form, having recently secured a strong win over Cleveland. With all key players healthy, the Celtics are looking to extend their winning streak. Dallas, on the other hand, has struggled in recent games, especially without Luka Dončić, and will be at a disadvantage against a fully-fit Boston squad. Given the Celtics’ impressive performance and depth, they are likely to secure the win in this match, with a scoreline likely above 110 points. Prediction: Boston Celtics to win by a margin of 5-10 points.
Boston enters the game against Dallas as the clear favorite. According to bookmakers, the visiting team has very little chance of securing a win. This is true, as the Mavericks have faced a mid-season slump due to Luka Dončić's extended injury and other key player setbacks. The team's situation has only worsened since then. Joe Mazzulla's squad will be expected to secure a confident victory with the support of their fans over a team in disarray.
Bookmakers give odds of 1.18 for Boston and 4.90 for Dallas. Total over 228.5 points is 1.78, total under is 1.96.
Our prediction — Boston to win with a -9.5 point spread, including overtime, at 1.72.
