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

The NBA Finals return to Boston's TD Garden for Game 5 with the momentum firmly in the visitors' hands. The Boston Celtics, leading by 3-1 in the series, were stunned by the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4. With one hand of the Celtics seemingly on the trophy, the Mavericks produced one of the historic wins in NBA playoffs history with a 122-84 victory. The deficit was so wide that the Celtics withdrew their starters in the third quarter. Luka Dončić scored 25 points in the first half, the highest by a Mavericks' player ever in the first half of a Finals, while the difference was 47 points at some point in the game. The 38-point victory, the third-highest in NBA Finals history, has shown that the Mavericks cannot be written off. However, they still have the ultimate challenge of overturning a 3-0 series deficit, a feat never achieved in the NBA. The Celtics regain home court again after losing their 10-game winning streak and are unsurprisingly heavy favorites to wrap up the title in front of their home crowd.

Basketball: 2024 NBA Finals, Game 5

Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN

Venue: TD Garden, Boston

Date: 18.06.2024. 03:30

The Celtics were decimated in Game 4, leading to Coach Joe Mazzulla throwing in the towel in the third quarter and pulling out his stars in early preparation for Game 5. Despite their series lead, they'll still need to address the defensive lapses that plagued them in Game 4. Down 34-21 in the first quarter, they couldn't get their defense sorted out throughout the game, helpless as the lead increased. The return of Kristaps Porziņģis, who was reportedly available for Game 4 but did not play, could bolster their defense and inside presence. Offensively, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown contributed only 25 points, a situation that must change in Boston if the Celtics are to claim their 18th NBA championship.

I thought they played with a ton of energy and physicality. And they are a great team, so they are here when they play like that.

Joe Mazzulla (Celtics Coach)

The Dallas Mavericks stunned the Boston Celtics with their energy and passion from the tip-off of Game 4, ending the game with the third-largest blowout in NBA Finals history. Luka Dončić hit 29 points, and Kyrie Irving added 21 points as the star duo led the Mavs offensively. Unlike in previous games, the Mavericks were on top defensively from the opening tip. 20-year-old rookie Dereck Lively II recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds to add to the leaders. The dominant performance from the Mavs has sent a message that Dallas won't be going away easily.

We knew we had to get it, and we couldn't lose anymore. As we always say, we're going to believe until the end. I think our energy was way higher. Everybody was locked in defensively.

Luka Dončić

The Dallas Mavericks are 3.425 underdogs on 1xBet, with the favorite Celtics 1.788 to close the spread (-6). Over 210.5 is 1.95 odds on Betway with the under priced at 1.66. Luka Dončić is 1.76 to point under 32.5 on Bet365, with Kyrie Irving priced at 1.83 to score over 23.5 points. Read more.