The 2024 NBA Finals are set to begin between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks after both teams won their respective conference finals in five games or fewer. The Celtics, who had the best record in the regular season, will have home-court advantage for the series, hosting the first two games before the Mavericks host the next two. Games 5-7 will alternate between the two cities.
The Celtics are heavy favorites to win the championship, having dominated opponents in both the regular season and postseason. They swept the Indiana Pacers in the first round and have been without key player Kristaps Porzingis in two series wins. With a strong roster led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are poised to take the title, especially with Porzingis back in action seeking revenge against his former team.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, have shown significant improvement since making key acquisitions before the trade deadline. Players like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford have been critical contributors, helping the team finish the regular season strong and make a deep playoff run. With stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the way, the Mavericks will look to upset the Celtics and secure their first championship.
In terms of Finals MVP odds, Jayson Tatum is favored to win the award, having been the standout player for the Celtics throughout the postseason. Luka Dončić of the Mavericks is also a strong contender, putting up impressive numbers and leading his team on both ends of the floor. Other players like Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving, and Derrick White are also in the mix, with each having the potential to make a significant impact on the series.
The NBA Finals schedule includes seven games, with the first two to be played in Boston before moving to Dallas for the next two. If necessary, Games 5-7 will alternate between the two cities. Fans can catch all the action on ABC or streaming on ESPN+. With both teams hungry for a championship, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive series between the Celtics and Mavericks.
Overall, the 2024 NBA Finals promise to be an intense battle between two talented teams vying for the championship. With the Celtics looking to further establish their dominance and the Mavericks seeking to upset the favorites, fans can expect thrilling games and standout performances from key players on both sides. As the series unfolds, it will be interesting to see which team can rise to the occasion and ultimately be crowned the 2024 NBA champions.
