Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds 22/01/24
Calendar icon Updated 13 Feb 13:20

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds 22/01/24

Kaleb Vanderhorst

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics. Shape of the Teams

The Dallas Mavericks host the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center in what should be a great test for the duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. So far this season, both Dončić and Kyrie have had to put the team on their backs for a stretch, so it’ll be great to see them perform together. 

The Celtics have continued their dominance in the East, only dropping games here and there to teams like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Unless you’re a championship-contending team, you’re likely going to get squashed.

However, the Celtics will be missing one of their strongest perimeter defenders, Jrue Holiday, who would otherwise lock up the point guard position. So, without any real stopper at PG, both Dončić and Kyrie are set to have strong games.

Irving had been averaging 32.8 ppg, 6.5 apg, and 5.8 rpg while Dončić was out, and the Slovenian himself dropped 33 in his first game back. These two have created one of the strongest back-court duos in the league.

Nonetheless, without spectacular games from both of Dallas’ star guards, the Mavericks will have a hard time against the juggernaut from the east.

Odds via Tonybet

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston CelticsJanuary 22, 6:30 p.m ET
Boston odds-135
Dallas odds+135
Dallas spread +4.5 -135
Boston spread -4.5 +106

Unlike many other top-heavy teams throughout the NBA, the Celtics are strong all the way through their bench. Instead of relying on Jayson Tatum to score 30+ points per night, they have a litany of solid double-digit scorers who play well every single night.

From Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis to Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, the depth of the Celtics is something we haven’t seen since the late 2010’s Golden State Warriors.

The Celtics also have almost no glaring weaknesses. They have several strong big men to clog the paint while still spacing the floor on offence and plenty of defensive-minded guards to carry them through tough games.

That is all to say, this game is a clash of two opposing team-building styles. The Mavericks are top-heavy, to say the least, while the Celtics have a more rounded team. And unfortunately for Dallas fans, we have to give a slight edge to Boston.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Odds, Prediction

We have to agree with the bookmakers on this one and go with the favourites, the Boston Celtics. With their smooth and unselfish playstyle, they should have no issues poking holes in the lacking Dallas Mavericks defence.

While Dereck Lively is an imposing 7’1, the young centre likely isn’t going to deter Porziņģis, Tatum, or even Jaylen Brown. Porziņģis, in particular, should have a field day with the 19-year-old, lighting him up from the outside and punishing the rim if he closes out a little sloppy.

While this is going on, Tatum will likely put up a solid 25ish points, scoring from all over the court – a true jack-of-all-trades.

Dallas is by no means a lost cause, though, as any team with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving cannot be underestimated. Although the pair leaves plenty to be desired on the defensive side of the ball, the raw scoring potential between this duo is unreal.

If either Dončić or Irving has a hot night, it wouldn’t be too unrealistic to see a 50 or 60-point outing. It’s just a shame Holiday isn’t there to at least slow down one of them.

Unfortunately for Dallas fans, though, that probably still won’t be enough to push them over the edge against the Celtics. The Mavs simply don’t have the depth or personnel to compete for a full four quarters against Boston.

If either Irving or Dončić goes cold, it could spell the end for the Maverick’s offence, and if both go cold, it’s completely done. It seems as though Mark Cuban has gotten impatient with putting this team together, not caring for bench depth.

This match will likely go one of two ways – rather, the Celtics will come out with a lead early in the first quarter and manage to hold it, or the duo in Dallas will manage to bring the game down to the last moments.

Either way, it should make for some pretty good basketball, especially for a normal Monday night in January.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Player Pick and Betting Tip

Kyrie Irving may have taken a step back in the last game against the Lakers, only dripping 12 points, but over the last five games, he has averaged over 30 points a night. That is to say, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the guard drop over 26.5 points against the Boston Celtics.

Irving is a known competitor and often rises to the occasion, especially when his team’s back is against the wall. So if the Mavericks manage to get down at some point in the game, there is a good chance Irving will attempt to play some “hero ball,” dropping extra points.

He should also have quite a lot more room to take comfortable shots without Jrue Holiday hounding him up and down the court. Other than Jaylen Brown and maybe Tatum, if he really gives his all, nobody on the Celtics can really stay in front of Irving.

While there are no guaranteed bets in the world, there is a decent chance Irving scores over 26.5, especially if you look at his recent outings.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.

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