David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA
Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics: NBA Finals – Game 2
The Dallas Mavericks will look to bounce back when they visit the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA Finals at TD Garden on Sunday.
It is too early to count out the Mavs
The Dallas Mavericks lost the opening games of the first two playoff series this season, so there is no reason to panic after failing in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Mavs had a poor shooting night, making only 41.7% of their field goal attempts. Luka Doncic led the team with 30 points and 10 rebounds but had only one assist. Kyrie Irving missed all of his five three-point attempts and made only six of 19 field goals, finishing with 12 points against his former team.
The Celtics are in the driver’s seat
The Boston Celtics lost only two playoff games coming into the NBA Finals and started strong in the series against the Mavs. The Celtics took a 37-20 first-quarter lead and had full control of the game for a final 107-89 win. All five starters scored in double figures, and Jaylen Brown led the way with 22 points. Still, the top story of the night was the return of Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 20 points in 21 minutes after coming off the bench.
Betting Trends
The Celtics have won the last 8 games overall and are 7-2 SU in the last 9 home games against the Mavs and 9-0 SU in the last 9 games against teams from the Western Conference. Boston is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against teams from the Southwest Division. The Celtics have played over the total point line in 6 of the last 7 games overall and in 7 of their last 8 home games. The Mavs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games overall and 4-3 SU in their last 7 games against teams from the Atlantic Division. They are 4-2 ATS in the last 6 games overall, 5-1 ATS in the last 6 games on the road, and 6-2 ATS in the last 8 games against teams from the Eastern Conference.
Prediction and Conclusion
The Boston Celtics were dominant in Game 1, having full control of the score from tip-off. They limited the Mavs to a low shooting percentage and won their fifth consecutive game against them. The return of Kristaps Porzingis was a real push for the Celtics, while most of the Mavs team was struggling. Game 2 may not be a walk in the park for the Celtics, but they will still win and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals series.
