The Mavericks have been inconsistent this season, with 24 wins and 21 losses, putting them in seventh place in the Western Conference. Their recent results reflect this instability, with two losses in their last three games.
Despite this, Dallas showed resilience with an impressive victory over the Western Conference leaders, the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 121-115 even without Luka Dončić. Spencer Dinwiddie was the star of the game, scoring 28 points, while PJ Washington delivered a stellar double-double performance with 22 points and an incredible 19 rebounds.
However, the absence of Luka Dončić remains a significant setback for the Mavericks. The team’s leading star is expected to return only at the end of January. Additionally, injuries among their bench players limit the team’s rotational options.
Dallas’ Strengths:
The Celtics currently look like one of the strongest teams in the league. With 31 wins and just 14 losses, they hold second place in the Eastern Conference. Over their last three games, Boston has secured two wins but suffered a surprising blowout loss to the Lakers (96-117).
Nevertheless, the Celtics are traveling to Dallas with a fully healthy roster. Key players such as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis are all in great form, making the team a formidable opponent.
Tatum and Brown are the heart of Boston’s offense, capable of dismantling any defense with their scoring abilities. Porziņģis provides a strong presence under the basket while adding versatility to the offense. With such a well-rounded lineup, Boston can deliver both high-scoring and well-balanced performances.
Boston’s Strengths:
The main intrigue of this matchup lies in whether Dallas can compensate for Luka Dončić’s absence. While the Mavericks have shown they can still fight hard without their superstar, facing a team as strong as Boston will be an uphill battle. For the Celtics, this game represents an opportunity to solidify their position in the East. If their star players perform as expected, a Boston victory seems likely.
Considering the current form and lineups, the Boston Celtics appear to have the edge. Their offensive firepower, organization, and depth give them a clear advantage over the Mavericks, who are dealing with roster challenges. Predicted Score: 115-103 in Boston’s Favor.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are expected to lead the charge, with their performance likely playing a decisive role.
That said, the Mavericks shouldn’t be written off entirely. If Kyrie Irving delivers an outstanding performance and gets enough support from his teammates, Dallas could surprise. However, their chances seem slimmer against a well-rounded Celtics squad.
The Dallas Mavericks enter their matchup against the Boston Celtics as clear underdogs. According to betting analysts, the visiting team has a significantly better chance of securing a win — and for good reason. Despite pulling off a minor upset by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder with a heavily depleted roster in their previous game, Dallas faces an uphill battle against a much stronger opponent. Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics are expected to take full advantage of the Mavericks’ injury struggles and come away with a convincing victory.
Our prediction: A Boston win with a -7.5 point spread, including overtime, at 1.81 odds.
