Boston Celtics - Dallas Mavericks predictions and free betting tips [10/06/2024]

At the TD Garden arena, the Boston Celtics are gearing up for the second game of the NBA finals series against the Dallas Mavericks tomorrow morning.

Boston Celtics

In the first game of the NBA finals, the Celtics showcased a powerful performance, hitting 16 three-pointers out of 42 attempts, yielding a 38.1% accuracy. They finished the game victorious with a score of 107-89, seizing the lead midway with a 29-point advantage. Boston's effectiveness in the first quarter, scoring 37 points, was key to their success, allowing them to fend off any pressure from the Mavericks. Attention in this series is focused on Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Brown, who scored 22 points in the first game, continues his successful streak after being named the Eastern Conference MVP, averaging 24.8 points per game in the playoffs. Tatum, although having a quieter game, still finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. The return of Latvian and former Dallas player Kristaps Porzingis also had a significant impact; after a 38-day absence, he came off the bench to score 20 points and add 6 rebounds in just 21 minutes. His presence on the court created additional problems for the opponent across the floor. 

Dallas Mavericks

After a tough loss in the first NBA finals game with a score of 89-107, the Dallas Mavericks are under pressure, needing to reshape their game to restore balance in the series. The start of the game was catastrophic for the Mavericks, trailing 20-37 after the first quarter. They showed improvement in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 9 points, but Boston quickly restored their lead to 18 with a run in 3 minutes, preventing the Mavericks from changing the dynamics of the game. Dallas's problems were exacerbated by the lack of effective ball movement, resulting in just 9 assists throughout the game, which is their season minimum and nearly an anti-record in playoff games.

Luka Dončić remains the leader of Dallas, scoring 30 points and making 10 rebounds; however, his efforts were insufficient to single-handedly counter the Celtics. Dončić also faced difficulties in ball distribution, making only 1 assist, highlighting the Mavericks' need for more dynamic and collective play. Kyrie Irving, another key player, also had a tough game, scoring just 12 points and failing to make any of his 5 three-point attempts, further complicating the situation for the team, adding 3 turnovers. Dallas exhibited insufficient defensive strength, allowing the Celtics to drain 16 three-pointers. 

Match Prediction: Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks

Ahead of the second game at TD Garden, the Celtics undoubtedly feel confident in their capabilities, especially given their dominance in the first encounter. However, it is important not to underestimate the Mavericks, who will strive to correct the mistakes of the first game and level the series. But Kidd's team is too inexperienced, with their two centres Lively and Gafford going through their first playoffs, as is Washington. Considering the current form of key players and the demonstrated strategy, the Boston Celtics have every chance of maintaining their advantage. But in the second game, I expect an improved attack from the Mavericks and a total points over 213.5. 

Prediction on Porzingis' Total

After a disappointing stint in Dallas, Kristaps clearly has a special motivation against the Mavericks in the finals. In the first game, he destroyed their defence in 20 minutes, scoring through all the opponent's defenders. I back his individual total over 14.5 points.