Boston Celtics (77-20) vs Dallas Mavericks (62-38)
Sunday, June 09, 2024 at 8:00 pm
My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Boston at 8 pm et on Sunday.
Everything I've seen from the Mavericks in practice over the last couple of days points to this being a loose, confident group despite the blowout result in the Celtics favor in Game 1.
We won with Boston in the series opener, but did note that this figures to be a long series (both literally and figuratively).
Game 1 ultimately turned on a ridiculous stretch that saw the Celtics go unconscious from the field late in the second quarter, outscoring the Mavs 15-2. Now it's Dallas' turn to make the necessary adjustments, especially after seeing how Kristaps Porzingis would fit back in the rotation after missing an extended period of time.
While they say a series doesn't really begin until a team wins a game on the road, the Mavs have to display a sense of urgency here as they're highly unlikely to win four of the next five games against a team as good as the Celtics should they fall behind 2-0 in this series.
There's no reason for Dallas to push the panic button. After all, it has gone 32-19 SU and 34-17 ATS on the road this season and found itself in similar bounce-back spots in Game 2 against the Clippers and Thunder, winning on both occasions (I realize the Celtics are a more formidable opponent).
The Mavs are 10-2 ATS when seeking revenge for consecutive double-digit losses against an opponent over the last three seasons, as is the case here, including a 4-1 ATS mark in that situation this season.
While Boston is a winning team from an ATS perspective this season, it checks in just 13-13 ATS when coming off a double-digit home victory. The C's have also gone 3-6 ATS when leading in a playoff series. Take Dallas (10*).
Sean’s Pick Dallas Mavericks: +6.5 -105
AUTHOR: Sean Murphy
