Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

It's all set for the 2024 NBA Finals series as the Boston Celtics, boasting the league's best record, take on the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on Thursday night. Celtics, Eastern Conference top seeds, are heavy favorites on the money line and are looking to cap off their dominant season with their 18th championship title. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, seeded five in the West, fueled by their mid-season acquisitions and star duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, aim to pull off a major upset and claim their first Larry O'Brien trophy since 2011.

Basketball: 2024 NBA Finals, Game 1

Where to Watch: ABC

Venue: TD Garden, Boston

Date: 07.06.2024. 03:30

The Boston Celtics completed a 4-0 sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals with a thrilling 114-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Stifling a late fight back from the Pacers, the Celtics secured their first Conference Finals sweep since 1986 and their 23rd NBA Finals appearance. Derrick White, who struggled in previous games in the series, pulled up with a game-winning three-pointer with only 44 seconds remaining. White's clutch shot capped off an excellent game with 16 points, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. Jaylen Brown finished the game with 29 points and three steals and was crowned the Eastern Conference MVP. The Celtics' victory gave them a seventh consecutive playoff win to cap off a truly dominant offensive season with 64 wins so far and only two losses in the playoffs.

With the Western Conference playoffs finals poised at 3-1, the Dallas Mavericks wasted no time dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves 130-92 to wrap up the series. Luka Dončić put on a masterclass, outscoring the entire Timberwolves team in the first quarter (20-19) and finishing with a staggering 36 points. The star was deservedly crowned Western Conference MVP after the game. Kyrie Irving mirrored Doncic's offensive performance with 36 points of his own. Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington combined for 23 points off the bench. The turning point came in the first half, where the Mavericks unleashed a devastating 28-5 run, building a 69-40 lead by halftime that proved insurmountable in the end. Dereck Lively II returned from injury to showcase his defensive prowess with 3 blocks and perfect shooting (3-of-3) from the field.

Dallas Mavericks are 2.95 underdogs on Betway with Boston Celtics 2.50 on the spread (-10.5). Total over 214 is priced at 1.796 odds on 1XBET with the under available at 2.03. Luka Dončić to score under 31.5 is 1.95 on Bet365 with Jaylen Brown over 22.5 listed at 1.80 odds. Read more.