The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks duke it out at the American Airlines Center on Monday night. Here’s a Celtics vs Mavericks Prediction.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have been in fine form as they’ve won seven of their last 10 games overall, and they will be eager to keep it going after taking down the Rockets in a 116-107 road win last night. Kristaps Porzingis led the team with 32 points, six rebounds and five blocks, Derrick White added 21 points with 11 rebounds while Jayson Tatum chipped in with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists. As a team, the Celtics shot 43 percent from the field and 17 of 47 from the 3-point line as they came out with a sense of urgency and poured in 70 points in the first half to lead by 17 points, which was enough to hold off a late charge from the Rockets.
Boston Celtics Team Facts
- The Celtics have won 16 of their last 17 night games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last six games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- Seven of the Celtics’ last eight road games against Southwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Dallas Mavericks
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have been in decent shape as they’ve won five of their last eight games overall, but because their last game against the Warriors got postponed, they haven’t played since their 127-110 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 33 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists on 12 of 24 shooting, Dereck Lively added 16 points with 11 rebounds while Kyrie Irving chipped in with 12 points and six assists off the bench. As a team, the Mavericks shot 46 percent from the field and 11 of 40 from the 3-point line which was good enough to keep pace with the Lakers until the third quarter where they got outscored by 42-27 to trail by as many as 24 points. The Mavs will play against the Suns and Hawks after this one.
Dallas Mavericks Team Facts
- The underdogs have won each of the Mavericks’ last five games at American Airlines Center.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven home games when playing with a rest advantage.
- Each of the Mavericks’ last four home games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Celtics vs Mavericks Prediction
The Celtics could still be shorthanded with Jrue Holiday listed as questionable but they could have Al Horford back in the lineup after he was rested last night, while the Mavericks are keeping an eye on Seth Curry who is questionable with an ankle sprain. The Celtics have opened as slight road favorites in this one which is no surprise, but they are playing on zero days rest and could be shorthanded here, while the Mavericks haven’t seen the court since Wednesday. I would take the Celtics if this wasn’t their second game of a back to back set, but as it stands, I’m more comfortable taking the Mavericks with the points at home.