Mavs vs. Celtics Showdown in Game 5: Boston’s Defense to Silence Dallas

In the high-stakes NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks delivered a powerful blow in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. Yet, as we gear up for Game 5 on Monday, June 17, at TD Garden in Boston (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), the question remains if this was a mere fluke or a sign of the unfolding of an intriguing series.

Mavs vs. Celtics Prediction and Analysis

Seasonal Excellence Meets Postseason Resilience

The Boston Celtics have had an exceptional season, with 67 wins in the regular season – just two games short of matching the records set by the 2015 and 2017 Golden State Warriors.

With a record of 4-2 so far in the postseason, they need to lose only twice more to join this elite club of champions.

Adjusting Defenses for Success

Boston’s defense has been their key strength throughout the playoffs. After giving up 111 points in Game 2 against Miami, the Celtics responded with a stellar defensive performance in Game 3, allowing just 84 points. Similarly, after Cleveland scored 118 points in Game 2 of the second round, Boston bounced back to hold them to only 93 points in Game 3.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Head-to-Head Comparison

STATISTIC	DALLAS MAVERICKS	BOSTON CELTICS
Regular Season Rating	50.2	54.6
Postseason Rating	53.1	57.5
Offensive Rating	118.9	114.5
Defensive Rating	105.1	106.9

Predictions for Game 5

With Boston’s impressive postseason defense, particularly their ability to bounce back after offensive explosions by opponents, Dallas’ Game 4 performance might have been an anomaly. The Celtics are favored to reclaim their form in Game 5, making it a crucial test for the Mavericks’ offense and Luka Doncic’s leadership.

Boston’s Defense Stifles Luka Doncic and Dallas’ Offense

Luka Doncic, despite his impressive regular-season averages of 31.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, has not been as dominant in the NBA Finals. With an average of 29.5 points through four games and just 47% field goal shooting, Boston’s defense has shown the ability to contain him effectively.

Game Info

Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA Date: Monday, June 17, 2024 Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET TV: ABC

Spread: Dallas Mavericks +6.5 (-107)

Money Line: Dallas Mavericks (+215)

Total: Over/Under 210 points (-110)

View Current NBA odds here

Boston’s Path to Victory and the NBA Championship

If Boston can maintain their defensive prowess and build on their offensive strengths, they are poised to end this series and add another championship title to their storied franchise history.

Game Props

Bet Description	Outcome	Odds
Largest lead in game O/U 17.5	Over	-110
	Under	-118
First shot of the game made	Yes	+100
	No	-134
Both teams to Score 100+	Yes	-105
	No	-126
DAL to make their first shot attempt	Yes	+107
	No	-143
Team to Score Last	BOS	-108
	DAL	-121
BOS to make their first shot attempt	Yes	+101
	No	-136
Both teams to Score 110+	Yes	+486
	No	-834
Will there be Overtime	Yes	+989
	No	-5000

View current game props here