Celtics vs. Mavs Prediction: Boston or Upset?

The NBA Finals head to Dallas for a pivotal Game 3 (8:30 PM ET)! The Boston Celtics hold a commanding 2-0 series lead, but can they maintain momentum on the road? The Dallas Mavericks, despite being underdogs by 2.5 points, will be looking to steal home-court advantage. With Luka Doncic leading the charge, anything is possible. Our Celtics vs Mavs prediction analyzes the key factors to determine if the series gets interesting or if Boston takes a stranglehold!

Game Information

• Game: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
• Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas TX
• Date: Wednesday, June 12th 8:30 ET
• Free Live Stream: LiveSports.watch

Celtics vs. Mavs Betting Prediction Betting

Boston Celtics

Today, the Celtics are aiming to extend their winning streak to 10 games as they face the Mavericks. Boston, with a record of 64-18, sits atop the Eastern Conference. On the road, the Celtics have gone 33-14 this season, with an overall ATS record of 49-44. As underdogs, Boston is 2-2, having lost their last two games against the spread. In their previous matchup against the Mavericks, the Celtics secured a 105-98 victory, pushing the 7-point spread. This season, Boston has an O/U record of 51-46-1, with the under hitting in their last three games. Today’s O/U line is set at 212.5, a figure they’ve exceeded in 88 of their 82 games.

Jayson Tatum leads the Celtics’ offense, averaging 26.9 points per game, followed by Jaylen Brown at 23. Brown has been particularly hot, averaging 27.2 points over his last five games. Derrick White contributes 15.2 points per game and 4.8 assists in his recent outings. Boston tops the NBA standings in three-point attempts, averaging 42.5 per game, and three-pointers made, at 16.5 per game, hitting 38% from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Celtics excel, allowing just 107.8 points per game, which is third in the NBA. Even on the road, they limit opponents to 108.8 points per game. Their defense also shines by limiting opponents’ free-throws, giving up only 16.7 made free-throws per game. Over their last five games, opponents have shot just 28.8% from three-point range against Boston.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are 31-21 against the Western Conference and 19-11 against the East, placing them 5th in the West with an overall record of 50-32. At home, Dallas holds a 25-24 ATS record with an average scoring margin of +3.5 points per game on the NBA betting lines, while their road ATS record stands at 34-17 with a +1.0 PPG differential. Favored in 61 of their 82 games this season, the Mavericks have a 44-17 record in those matchups and are 38-23 ATS as the favorite, averaging a +6.6 PPG margin. However, Dallas has lost their last two games as the underdog and is favored by 2.5 points today. In their previous game against the Celtics, they lost 105-98 with an O/U line of 214.5, combining for 203 points.

This season, the Mavericks have an O/U record of 46-55, with the last two games going under the posted total. Today’s O/U line is 212.5, lower than their season average of 230.6. Luka Doncic has been stellar, averaging 31.8 points per game on 50% shooting in his last five games, and 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds for the season. Kyrie Irving is averaging 25.6 points per game but has struggled with three-point shooting recently. Dallas scores 116.9 points per game at home and ranks 9th overall in scoring. Defensively, they allow 113.5 points per game, improving to 105.4 over their last five games. Despite their struggles with steals, the Mavericks excel in shot-blocking. As opponents score less than their season average in 62.2% of games against Dallas.

Betting Picks

Want more articles like this? Check these out:

• Today’s Mavericks vs Celtics Score
• Dodgers vs Rockies Prediction: Game Preview
• Twins vs Royals: Betting Prediction Today
• Brewers vs Cubs: Top Picks & Parlays