Celtics vs Mavericks; A Defensive Showdown in Dallas
The Boston Celtics (31-14) and Dallas Mavericks (24-21) faced off on Saturday, January 25, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with the Celtics emerging as heavy favorites. The game, which tipped off at 5:30 p.m. ET, was a rematch of the 2024 NBA Finals, where Boston swept the regular-season series 2-0 and won the Finals 4-1.
The Celtics entered the game coming off a disappointing 117-96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Kristaps Porzingis led the team with 22 points. Despite their recent struggles, Boston has been a dominant force this season, boasting a strong defensive record, allowing just 108.4 points per game, ranking sixth in the league. However, their offense has cooled off in January, averaging only 110.4 points per game, down from 121.2 earlier in the season.
On the other hand, the Mavericks secured a 121-115 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in their previous game, with Spencer Dinwiddie scoring 28 points and Kyrie Irving adding 24. However, Dallas has been without star player Luka Doncic since Christmas Day due to a calf injury, and their performance has suffered, going 5-10 in his absence. The Mavericks have struggled offensively, averaging just 109.5 points per game during this stretch, but their defense has remained solid, allowing 111.9 points per game, ranking 11th in the league.
The Celtics were favored by 8.5 points, with the total points line set at 224.5. Historically, the Under has been a strong trend in matchups between these teams, hitting in all five of their last meetings and in eight of the last 10. Boston has also struggled to cover the spread recently, failing to do so in six of their last eight games. Meanwhile, Dallas has covered the spread in three of their last four games and has been more reliable against the spread this season, going 22-22-1 compared to Boston’s 17-27-1.
Key players to watch included Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Celtics, who have seen their scoring dip in recent weeks, and Kyrie Irving for the Mavericks, who has stepped up in Doncic’s absence, averaging 27.7 points over the last nine games. Kristaps Porzingis has also been a consistent performer for Boston, averaging 19.7 points in January.
In conclusion, the Celtics were expected to win, but the Mavericks, despite being shorthanded, were seen as a strong bet to cover the spread. The game was anticipated to be a defensive battle, with the Under being a popular pick among bettors.
Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and predictions
Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.
sportsbookwire.usatoday.comCeltics vs. Mavericks Odds, Picks and Prediction – January 25
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