Talk about doing it all. Jaylen Brown contributed in just about every way possible in the Boston Celtics' Game 1 win, leading the team with 22 points and adding six rebounds, three steals, three blocks, and a couple of assists — all while guarding Luka Doncic for large chunks of the night. My Mavs vs. Celtics predictions see a repeat performance from Brown as they battle the Dallas Mavericks in this evening's Game 2.
The Celtics had a 27-point edge from downtown in their 107-89 victory on Thursday and Kristaps Porzingis’ impact on both ends overshadowed an efficient 30-point effort from Doncic.
The latest NBA odds have Boston as a clear favorite to take a 2-0 lead here, but the Mavs have won Game 2 in all three series so far. My NBA picks dive into the top betting angles for tonight's highly-anticipated showdown, with the spotlight on a dialed-in Jaylen Brown.
Make sure to also check out Rohit Ponnaiya's favorite Mavs vs. Celtics props before tip-off!
Mavs vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Jaylen Brown Over 22.5 points (-120 at bet365)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
I see Jaylen Brown delivering another big scoring performance tonight in Game 2, and I’m jumping on the Over on his points prop, which is set at 22.5.
That feels too low for an in-form, three-level scorer who had poured in at least 24 points in four straight contests heading into these Finals, including a 40-point clinic against the Indiana Pacers in the last round.
Brown is averaging almost 25 points in the 2024 playoffs and was set to blow past this O/U line in Game 1 until the scoreline got so lopsided that Boston Celtics’ starters sat out the final minutes. He didn’t just settle for long jump shots either, forcing his way to 11 free-throw attempts.
While the prospect of shadowing Luka Doncic brings foul trouble into the equation, the upside is the opportunities to test Luka at the other end when the Dallas Mavericks don’t manage to switch out of that matchup.
Brown was named MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals and he seems to be carrying on where he left off. That spells trouble for an over-stretched Dallas defense.
Mavs vs Celtics same-game parlay (SGP)
Jaylen Brown Over 22.5 points
Derrick Jones Jr. Over 10.5 points + rebounds
Mavericks +7.5
The Mavs aren’t going to square this series without more scoring around Doncic. That starts with Kyrie Irving, but Derrick Jones Jr. is another starter who needs a bounce-back outing. Sure, his No.1 task is defending Jayson Tatum, but a 2-for-9 shooting night won’t cut it.
I see him being more of a factor on Sunday and I’m combining his points and rebounds for a manageable line of 10.5. While his numbers on the boards can fluctuate, Jones Jr. hit the Over on this total in Game 1 — despite shooting poorly — and he’s got there in eight of his last 11 games.
A tighter contest also feels in play here. If anyone can reset after Thursday’s beatdown, it’s Doncic, and I expect some adjustments to punish the Celtics’ willingness to let him cook one-on-one without sending extra help.
I still like Boston to grind out a victory, but the Mavs have been resilient on the road throughout these playoffs, so I’m taking the points and trusting the Luka-Kyrie duo to keep the game close.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Mavs vs Celtics odds
Mavs vs Celtics live odds
Get the latest Mavericks vs Celtics NBA Finals odds for Game 2.
Mavs vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Dallas +7 | Celtics -7
- Moneyline: Dallas +224 | Celtics -268
- Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Mavs vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- Riding an eight-game win streak, the Celtics opened as a 7-point favorite for Game 2. They were a 6.5-point favorite for Game 1, so there hasn’t been a major overreaction to Thursday’s margin of victory.
- The Mavs haven’t lost consecutive outings on this playoff run but it’s reasonable to shy away from their moneyline after seeing how effectively Boston limited the trademark Dallas lobs and open 3-point looks.
- The Mavs shot just 26% from 3-point range in Game 1, and their 89-point total was their lowest in this postseason, yet the collective firepower in this series means the total sits at 214.5.
- The Under is 7-2-1 in the past 10 meetings between these teams, but the Celtics have hit the Over in five of their last seven contests.
Mavs vs Celtics trend
It hasn’t always been pretty for the Celtics at TD Garden in these playoffs, but they’ve gone 44-6 at home overall this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Celtics.
Mavs vs Celtics game info
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Sunday, 6-9-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
Mavs vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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