The Dallas Mavericks will be hoping to end their four game losing streak when they host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. Dallas has dropped to 19-30 overall and may be content to place itself in the NBA Draft lottery, while Boston enters with a 31-18 record.
Let’s get into my Celtics vs. Mavericks.
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks odds
Money line: Celtics -290 / Mavericks +235
Spread: Celtics -7.5 (-110) / Mavericks +7.5 (-110)
Total: Over 223.5 (-110) / Under 223.5 (-110)
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks best bet #1: Under 223.5 (-110)
The Celtics are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference in scoring (109.1 points per game), trailing only the defending champion Thunder in that department in the entire NBA. Not only does Boston boast a strong defense, but they also play at a very slow pace. In fact, coach Joe Mazzella’s squad ranks last in the league in that metric as they hold 99.4 per game. The Mavericks have a very high style in general, but this time they may be content to tone it down against a much-fancied and highly-rated opponent. Why not try to shorten the game as much as possible in an effort to keep it close?
Either way, Boston is the better team so they should be able to control the tempo as they please. In addition, Dallas has scored 110 points or less in three of its last four outings. Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and PJ Washington are out, while Brandon Williams is questionable. Lacking so much firepower is not a good recipe for success against one of the best defensive teams in the organization. On the bright side for the Mavs, they lead the entire NBA in three-point shooting defense. This will be a tough game for the Celtics as they like to collect three points.
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks best player prop bet: Klay Thompson Over 12.5 points (-110)
The Celtics are at the bottom of the league in three-point defense and three-pointers allowed (over 14 per game).
Thompson should be able to take advantage. With Davis, Washington, and Lively out and Williams likely, Thompson will be among the Mavericks’ primary scoring options on Tuesday. The veteran has surpassed that 12.5 mark in six of his last 11 contests and has reached double figures seven times during this stretch. Thompson has made three triples in 13 straight games, including four against Charlotte last Thursday and three against Houston on Saturday.
