The Boston Celtics are in Texas for a primetime showdown against the Dallas Mavericks on TNT. They are looking for a better performance after getting blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. We have our Celtics vs. Mavericks predictions and best bets for Thursday night at the American Airlines Center.
The Celtics are in the midst of a four-game road trip and potentially looking at a loss in three straight games. Prior to the loss to the Thunder, the Celtics were 123-111 losers at Denver against the Nuggets on Sunday. Losing streaks have not been the norm for the Celtics, but they did go on a three-game skid from December 16 to December 21.
While we struggled as a team tonight in OKC, Jaylen Brown was still able to record his sixth straight game of at least 29 points. pic.twitter.com/CRauXbXRzg
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 4, 2023
via@celtics
At 26-12 on the season, the Celtics are first in the Eastern Conference by a half-game over the Brooklyn Nets. When the Celtics are interested, we saw what they are capable of doing, though. The Celtics blew out the Milwaukee Brewers by a score of 139-118 on Christmas Day at TD Garden.
This game is likely to get the Celtics’ attention, but the Mavericks are the hottest team in the NBA. The Mavericks are up to 22-16 and 2.5 games out of the lead in the Western Conference after beating the Houston Rockets on Monday, 111-106.
On a seven-game winning streak, the Mavericks should be well-rested following a two-day break. The only concern for the Mavericks has to be if they cooled off during their downtime. With the Celtics in town, this is not the best time to cool off.
Head below for our Celtics vs. Mavericks best bets and betting pick for January 5, 2023.
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks Live Betting Odds:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | -2.5 (-110) | -140 | Over 230 (-110) |
| Dallas Mavericks | +2.5 (-110) | +120 | Under 230 (-110) |
| Team Data | Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 26-12 | 22-16 |
| ATS Record | 20-17-1 | 13-23-2 |
| Away/Home Record | 11-7 | 15-5 |
| ATS Away/Home | 8-9-1 | 7-11-2 |
| Points Per Game | 118.6 | 112.6 |
| Points Against Per Game | 113.3 | 110.3 |
| Field Goal % | 47.8 | 47.2 |
| Three Point % | 37.2 | 36.1 |
Celtics vs. Mavericks Predictions
Were the Celtics looking ahead to this clash against the Mavericks in OKC? It certainly looked like the Celtics were not prepared to play basketball against the Thunder. The usually reliable defense was ripped for 150 points.
Five different Thunder players scored more than 20 points on the Celtics. Expect the defense to tighten up in Dallas, but slowing Luka Doncic down is a big ask. Doncic is coming off yet another monster outing, as he scored 39 points against the Rockets.
Luka Doncic MVP case:
— 34/9/9 (!)
— Top 5 in PPG, APG and SPG
— Most RPG by a guard
— 1st in PPG
— 1st in 50-point games
— 1st in 40-point gamesThe Mavs are a top 4 seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/nhxwDPJ6D7
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 2, 2023
via@statmuse
Doncic has notched 34.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. The guy is nearly averaging a triple-double. If he continues at this pace, it will be hard to deny Doncic of the MVP award. The Mavericks are not 2.5 games away from first in the West without Doncic on the floor.
First Meeting Was All Celtics
This is the second matchup between the Celtics and Mavericks in 2022-23. The Celtics won by double-digits at home on November 23. They covered the 5.5-point spread with ease.
The Mavericks are playing much better basketball since then. They are back at home for this one, as well. The Mavericks have not been a good road team this season, but excelling at home.
With a record of 15-5 at the American Airlines Center, the Mavs are one of the better home teams in the league. They are scoring an average of 114 points per game and a 47.2% field goal percentage at home.
Not exceptional, but when you look at their defensive numbers it makes sense. The Mavericks have allowed 107.1 points per game and holding teams to just a 46% field goal percentage at the American Airlines Center.
Mavericks Putting On A Show Recently
Dallas got off to a slow start offensively this season, but the offense is catching up to the defense. Overall, their offensive numbers have not been impressive. That is beginning to change for the Mavs, though.
Magic in December 🪄
⭐ 35.1 PPG
⭐ 3 50-point games
⭐ 12 30-point games
⭐ 3 triple-doubles
⭐ 9.3 APG
⭐ 8.5 RPG
⭐ 52% FG shooting🗳️➡️ https://t.co/aBJP3WrL1h @Bedgear | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/JrQpGWVzuh
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 2, 2023
via@dallasmavs
Across their previous five attempts, the Mavericks have notched a ridiculous 123.2 points per game on 50.7% shooting. Throw in one of the better defenses in the NBA, and you have a team that can beat anyone.
The Mavericks are the fifth-best team in the league on defense. They’ve allowed an average of 110.3 points per game. The Celtics have created an identity of a tough defense with this roster, but they are just 16th with a 47.2% field goal percentage against in 2022-23.
Celtics vs. Mavericks Betting Pick:
The Celtics and Mavericks matchup is a must-watch showdown on TNT tonight. This is going to be a good battle between two of the best teams in the NBA.
In their current form, the Mavericks are a tough team to fade as home underdogs. They are playing their best basketball of the season and getting 2 points at home? A place where the Mavs have proven to be tough to beat.
Look for a much better performance from the Celtics after getting waxed in OKC. However, it may not be enough in the waning minutes of this one against Doncic.
For our Celtics vs. Mavericks prediction, we are expecting a close game on Thursday night. The Mavericks should edge out the Celtics in a 116-113 final.
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