In Game 1 of the Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals series, Boston dominated, building a big lead that Dallas struggled to overcome. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving must step up for Dallas to stay in the series, as they both need to improve their shooting performances. The Celtics excelled in the paint, with strong defensive efforts from players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum. Porzingis in particular had a standout game, leading to speculation about his chances for Finals MVP.
Heading into Game 2, oddsmakers have favored Boston, with the spread set at -7 in favor of the Celtics. The series may not be as evenly matched as expected, as Boston’s athleticism poses a challenge for Dallas. Despite the potential for Doncic to have a big game, the Celtics are still seen as the stronger team. The possibility of Porzingis playing more minutes adds to the Celtics’ advantage. The predicted outcome is a win for Boston with a cover of the spread.
On the offensive end, Boston is expected to continue causing problems for Dallas unless they struggle with their outside shooting. Horford and Porzingis are a particularly difficult matchup for Dallas’ centers, leading to concerns about their ability to defend effectively. The lack of scoring options beyond Doncic adds to Dallas’ challenges. The under on the total points for the game and the Mavericks’ team total are considered strong bets due to these factors.
Overall, Boston is favored to win Game 2 based on their strong performance in Game 1 and the challenges they present for Dallas. Doncic and Irving need to step up their game, especially in terms of shooting, for Dallas to have a chance at evening the series. Porzingis has been a standout player for Dallas, but it remains to be seen if he can continue his strong performance. The Celtics’ athleticism and defensive prowess are key factors in their advantage over the Mavericks.
