Celtics vs Mavericks Picks & Odds: Doncic Looks To Lead Mavs To Eighth Straight Win

The Boston Celtics (26-12 SU, 20-17-1 ATS) roll into American Airlines Center on Thursday to visit the sizzling Dallas Mavericks (22-16, 13-23-2). Can Dallas earn its eighth straight win? Find out in our Celtics vs Mavericks prediction.

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Celtics vs Mavericks Sportsbook Odds

The Celtics opened as the 3-point favorite on the road with the total set at 225 points. The UNDER is 4-2 in the last six meetings between the two teams while Dallas has won nine of its last 12 games vs Boston at home – a nod to the hosts in our Celtics vs Mavericks prediction.

Get the best Celtics vs Mavericks odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Celtics Give Up 150 Points To Thunder

Boston suffered its second straight defeat on Tuesday as the Celtics were routed 150-117 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaylen Brown (29 points) and Jayson Tatum (27 points) led Boston offensively, but things fell apart defensively for the Celtics, who gave up 40 points in the second quarter and 48 in the third. Josh Giddey led Oklahoma City with 25 points while four others had 20-plus.

Tuesday’s loss marked Boston’s worst performance of the season as the Celtics had previously not lost a game by more than 16 points this year. The Thunder managed to put up 150 points even without their top scorer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was out with an illness. Defense hasn’t really been an issue for the Celtics, but they’ve now given up 273 points over their last two contests.

Doncic Leads Mavericks To Seventh Straight Win

The Mavs pushed their win streak to seven games on Monday by beating the Houston Rockets 111-106. Luka Doncic was masterful again, scoring 39 points and adding 12 boards for a double-double, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Christian Wood added 21 points apiece. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 25 to top Houston.

Dallas’ offense has been on fire during this seven-game run, averaging 118.9 points per game – more than six points above the team’s season average. Doncic has led the team in scoring in each of those contests, producing at a clip of 41.7 points per game while collecting four double-doubles and one triple-double along the way.

Celtics Player Prop: Tatum OVER 32 Points (+104)

Tatum averaged more than 30 points per game in December but has yet to hit the mark through his first two outings in January, scoring 27 and 25, respectively, in those contests. He’ll likely have to score at least 32 points, though, if Boston is going to snap Dallas’ run.

Mavericks Player Prop: Doncic OVER 37 Points (+110)

The oddsmakers are expecting the world from Doncic on Thursday and for good reason. The Mavericks star has scored at least 32 points in six straight games – a span that includes two outings of 50-plus points and a 60-point performance. Facing a Boston team that’s been struggling defensively, there’s a good chance Doncic pops off again.

Celtics: Keys To Win

The Celtics have fallen into a mini-slump, losing two straight and going 5-7 over their last 12 games. If they’re going to turn it around and beat the streaking Mavericks, they’ll need to start by turning up the heat defensively – allowing 120-plus points again probably won’t get the job done.

Mavericks: Keys To Win

The Mavericks generally go as Doncic goes, and lately he’s really been going. Doncic is averaging a league-best 34.3 points per game this season and has also recorded 19 double-doubles along the way. If he stays hot, the Mavericks will likely extend their win streak to eight games.

NBA Computer Pick: Celtics -2

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