The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks will face off in the NBA Finals, with Boston being the favored team with -210 odds to win it all. Boston finished the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record and has been dominant on both ends of the court with a strong net rating and offensive rating. They have capitalized on facing teams with key players missing in the playoffs, but now face a tougher challenge in Dallas, who has a 50-32 record and defeated higher-seeded teams to reach the Finals.
Boston’s starting lineup boasts elite players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis. They have a talented starting five, but lack depth beyond that, relying on players like Al Horford, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard to contribute off the bench. Dallas is led by All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who are known for their late-game heroics and playmaking abilities. They are supported by a group of young, athletic players who excel in various aspects of the game.
The key matchup in this series will be how Boston defends Luka Doncic, who has been dominant in the playoffs with impressive scoring, rebounding, and playmaking numbers. Boston’s perimeter defenders may struggle to contain Doncic, who can exploit mismatches with his size and skill. On the other end, Dallas will need to figure out how to defend Kristaps Porzingis, who presents a challenge with his ability to score both inside and outside.
Late-game decision-making will be crucial for both teams, as Boston relies on Jayson Tatum for scoring in clutch situations. Tatum has struggled with his three-point shooting in the playoffs, making it easier for defenses to key in on him late in games. Jrue Holiday has been a reliable three-point shooter for Boston, while Porzingis can be a scoring option inside the post. Dallas has shown an ability to make tough shots late in games, something Boston will need to counter in order to come out on top in the series.
