Still reeling from an emotional, turbulent week, the depleted Dallas Mavericks walk into a daunting clash with the Boston Celtics tonight.
The stunning Luka Doncic trade hangs over the visitors here, and my Mavericks vs Celtics predictions expect Boston to have too much firepower, especially with Anthony Davis not yet cleared to make his Dallas debut.
My NBA picks take a closer look at this February 6 matchup as the defending champs aim for a fifth straight win.
Mavericks vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Celtics -11 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
If the whole NBA is still rocking from the Luka Doncic trade, you can only imagine the rollercoaster for the Dallas Mavericks players. To borrow Kyrie Irving’s words, the Mavericks are in a ‘grieving process’ as they adjust to a Luka-less locker room, and tonight’s visit to TD Garden comes at the worst possible time.
At 36-15, the Boston Celtics have won four in a row, including a statement road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, and they’ve found an extra gear on both ends.
That’s in stark contrast to Dallas’ three-game skid, which has put the Mavericks at real risk of sliding out of the play-in spots, and I don’t see the visitors withstanding the kind of 3-point avalanche that the Celtics can unleash.
Boston has won nine of the past 10 meetings between these teams, covering the spread in eight of those victories, and I’m laying the points with Jayson Tatum and Co., particularly given the Mavericks’ ugly injury list.
Jason Kidd will be without Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, as well as the latest new addition Caleb Martin. That stretches the rotation to breaking point, and the Celtics have enough on-ball defenders to corral Irving, even if Jrue Holiday sits out with a shoulder issue.
That makes this a major mismatch in terms of scoring threats, with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis both getting buckets efficiently. With the Mavs burdened by such a dramatic franchise zag, I’m riding with the hosts tonight.
Mavericks vs Celtics same-game parlay
Celtics -11
Derrick White Over 3.5 assists
Under 231.5
Derrick White continues to be a steady engine for the Celtics, capable of filling in wherever needed, and I like the Over on his assists tally here. The veteran guard racked up nine dimes against the Philadelphia 76ers last weekend, and he’s had four or more assists in five of his last eight games.
The Mavs look vulnerable defensively and couldn’t contain Tyrese Maxey or Joel Embiid last time out. White collected four assists in the January 25 matchup against Dallas, and I see him setting the table for Boston’s wing scorers tonight.
The Under has been a winning ticket in seven of the past 10 meetings between these teams, and I’m sticking with that trend tonight. This is largely a wager on the Mavs having a tough time creating good looks without so many key contributors.
It also reflects the Celtics’ play this season. The Under is 27-23-1 in Boston’s 51 contests, and there’s major garbage time potential in this one if the hosts’ starters are dialed in early.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Mavericks vs Celtics odds
Mavericks vs Celtics live odds
Mavericks vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Dallas +10.5 (-110) | Boston -10.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Dallas +400 | Boston -550
- Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Mavericks vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics have had a few stumbles at home this year but they’re still a solid 16-9 at TD Garden, and they’ve held the Mavs under 100 points in four of their past six meetings.
- The Mavs are 12-15 on their travels this year and just 1-3 on this current road trip.
- Dallas has served up seven Overs in its last eight contests, but the offense was stuck in mud in Detroit and Cleveland last week.
- Boston allows the fifth-fewest points per game in the NBA (108.4) and the third-lowest field goal percentage (45.1%).
Mavericks vs Celtics trend
Boston has hit the 2Q Under in 18 of its last 24 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Celtics.
How to watch Mavericks vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Thursday, 2-6-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Mavericks vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
