2024 NBA Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Preview

Game 1 Preview, Betting Tips, and Predictions

The Road to the Finals

The Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics have emerged as the two top teams in the NBA, culminating in their showdown in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Mavericks, seeded fifth in the Western Conference, have upset the top-seeded Phoenix Suns and the second-seeded Golden State Warriors en route to their Finals appearance. The Celtics, meanwhile, have cruised through the Eastern Conference playoffs, sweeping the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round and the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Starting Lineups

**Dallas Mavericks:** * Luka Dončić (G) * Spencer Dinwiddie (G) * Dorian Finney-Smith (F) * Maxi Kleber (F) * Dwight Powell (C) **Boston Celtics:** * Jayson Tatum (F) * Jaylen Brown (G) * Marcus Smart (G) * Al Horford (C) * Robert Williams III (C)

Betting Tips

According to BetMGM, the Celtics are favored to win Game 1 at -5.5 points. The Mavericks are +5.5 underdogs. The over/under for the game is set at 220 points.

Prediction

The Celtics enter Game 1 with a slight edge over the Mavericks. They have a more experienced lineup and have been the more consistent team throughout the playoffs. However, the Mavericks are a young and hungry team with a lot of potential. They have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league and will be looking to steal Game 1 on the road. Ultimately, the Celtics' experience and depth should be enough to overcome the Mavericks in Game 1. Boston will take a 1-0 lead in the series with a 110-102 victory.