Sunday will feature a star-studded contest between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals. The Mavericks have recorded five wins after suffering one loss during this postseason run. Meanwhile, Boston is 13-2 in their 15 games in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Celtics are scoring an average of 111.1 points per game in the postseason, while Dallas records 106.9 points per contest.
Tipoff is at 8 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston. The latest SportsLine consensus Mavericks vs. Celtics odds have Boston listed as 6.5-point favorites, while the over/under for total points is 214.5. Before locking in any Celtics vs. Mavericks picks for the 2024 NBA Finals, you’ll want to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned more than $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model entered the 2024 NBA Finals with a stunning 94-61 performance on all top-rated NBA picks this season, earning a profit of more than $2,800. Everyone who follows it has seen a lot of profit.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Mavs and has just locked in its picks and NBA Finals predictions. You can visit SportsLine right now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Mavs vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. Mavericks Spread: Boston -6.5
- Celtics vs. Mavericks Over/Under: 214.5 points
- Celtics vs. Mavericks Money Line: Boston -269, Dallas +217
- Boston: The total score has been over in five of Boston’s last seven games
- DAL: The Mavericks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games against Boston
- Celtics vs. Mavericks Picks: See at SportsLine
Why the Mavericks might cover
The Mavericks need to step up their role players in this contest. Forward PJ Washington will be one of the players they rely on as a three-level scorer and athletic wing defender. He can play well without the ball thanks to his smooth jumper on the outside. He is averaging 13.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. In Game 1, Washington finished with 14 points and eight boards.
Forward Derrick Jones Jr. is another athletic playmaker in the frontcourt. Jones Jr. has a good bounce to get above the rim while also using his range to stretch the floor. The 27-year-old has recorded 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per matchup in the playoffs. In his last four games, Jones has knocked down seven of his 10 3-point attempts. Here’s a look at which team to pick.
Why the Celtics might cover
Guard Derrick White consistently provides Boston with a great shooter in the backcourt and is also a good ball handler. White has the ability to knock down 3-pointers with ease and has good playmaking skills. The 29-year-old is averaging 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in the 2024 NBA playoffs. In his last game, White had 15 points and five assists.
Guard Jaylen Brown has been a major force for the Celtics this postseason. Brown can score at will from all three levels on the court. The three-time All-Star has averaged 24.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest in the 2024 NBA playoffs. He has scored more than 26 points in seven outings during Boston’s playoff run. In a win against the Pacers on May 27, Brown had 29 points and six boards. See which team to pick here.
How to choose Mavericks vs. Celtics
SportsLine’s model is leaning on the over, projecting a total of 219 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. You can see the model’s NBA playoff picks only at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Mavericks, and which side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you should jump on, all from a model that is 94-61 on top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.
