Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks: Analysis and Prediction – Boston Celtics will host Dallas Mavericks in NBA Finals Game 5.
Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Odds
Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks (1/2): 1.35 / 3.42
Asian Handicap (-7.5 / +7.5): 2.02 / 1.84
Total Over/Under (209.5): 1.93 / 1.93
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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Boston Celtics Team News
Boston Celtics looked unstoppable in the first three games, as evidenced by their 3-0 lead. However, their flaws, and to some extent fatigue, became apparent during the fourth game, which they lost 122:84. Therefore, they will have another match point in the next game on the TD Garden court.
Perhaps the best indicator of how poorly the team performed is the fact that Jayson Tatum scored only 15 points and was the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics. In earlier analyses, we emphasized how the Celtics rely too much on three-point shooting, which could cost them dearly. This was evident in the fourth game, where they attempted 41 three-pointers and only 39 two-pointers. Even though they made 14 three-pointers for a modest 34%, it simply cannot be enough in a major NBA final, especially against a team like the Dallas Mavericks. It seems they miss Kristaps Porzingis significantly because his absence forced Joe Mazzulla to expand the rotation. However, it’s clear that of the 12 players who played, nearly half were there to fill minutes in “garbage time.” Tatum shot a modest 4/10 from the field, Jaylen Brown had his worst game of the series with 3/12, and Derrick White also struggled (2/8). It’s clear that the key players will need to perform much better in the fifth game. If they had won the fourth game, they would have had the best playoff performance in Boston Celtics history, but that did not happen. This year in the playoffs, they have only lost three times in 18 games.
If the Boston Celtics want to finish the series and win the NBA title, it is crucial that they do not allow Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to control the pace of the game. Additionally, through good ball movement, they must seek other solutions besides three-point shooting, as this has proven to be a double-edged sword many times this season.
Dallas Mavericks Team News
Dallas Mavericks simply couldn’t find the right solution in the first three games. The play of their leading duo, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, was not at the expected level, resulting in a 3-0 deficit. However, with a fantastic 122:84 win, they reduced the deficit to 3-1.
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t change much in their game concept, as they still aim for the same strategy. Specifically, they strive to close off the paint as much as possible, as they did against every opponent in the playoffs, thus risking the three-point shot. The biggest difference, however, is their approach and visible desire to keep their chances alive. In the fourth game, this approach paid off, as evidenced by their 38-point victory. Two interesting facts stand out: first, no team has ever blown a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Second, a team that won a game in the NBA Finals by 38 points has never been defeated in the end. History will be made according to one of these two parameters. This time, Luka Doncic was extremely focused, scoring 29 points with five rebounds and five assists, and notably expending much less energy arguing with the referees. Tim Hardaway Jr. had his best game of the finals series so far, scoring 15 points, while Kyrie Irving finished with 21. It is important to mention that Jason Kidd wisely distributed the minutes, ensuring that the key players didn’t play too much, so they will be relatively fresh and rested for the fifth game.
Dallas Mavericks, above all, believe in a comeback, as Luka Doncic mentioned. This is the most important aspect of the story—they didn’t give up even at 0-3. They took one step to reduce the deficit on their home court, and now, as the visiting team, they must primarily match the Celtics’ three-point shooting, control the rebounds, and stay focused for all 48 minutes without allowing any provocations or referee decisions to throw them off their rhythm. Only in this way can they achieve victory.
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Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks H2H
Absences and Injuries
Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
Tip-off Time: Monday, Monday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks +7.5
Odds: 1.84 (-119 American)
Sportsbook: XBet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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