Mavericks vs Celtics Picks & Odds: Boston Looks To Get Back On Track After Rare Loss

The Boston Celtics (13-4 SU, 9-8 ATS) and Dallas Mavericks (9-7, 4-11-1) do battle for the first time this season when they meet Wednesday at TD Garden. After having their nine-game win streak snapped Monday, the Celtics will look to start a new run as they begin a six-game homestand. Find out if the hosts can get back into the win column in our Mavericks vs Celtics prediction.

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Mavericks vs Celtics Sportsbook Odds

The Celtics opened as the 7-point favorite at home with the total set at 222 points. The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the two teams while Dallas has won four of those matchups – perhaps a sign to consider taking the visitors in your Mavericks vs Celtics prediction.

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Mavs Lose Close One To Nuggets

The Mavericks lost a nail-biter on Sunday, falling 98-97 to the Denver Nuggets at home. Josh Green had 23 points to lead the Mavs while Luka Doncic (22 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) came up just short of a triple-double. Nah’Shon Hyland scored 29 to lead his Nuggets to the win.

Dallas comes into Wednesday’s matchup with the best defense in the NBA, surrendering just 105.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Doncic sits first in the league scoring race with 33.5 points per contest. The MVP candidate hasn’t been able to carry the Mavericks offense single-handedly, though, as the team ranks 25th in scoring (109.1 points per game).

The offense won’t come any easier against Boston as Spencer Dinwiddie, the team’s second-leading scorer, is questionable with a shoulder injury.

Celtics Suffer First Loss In Nearly 3 Weeks

The Celtics had their nine-game run ended Monday as they lost 121-107 to the Chicago Bulls. Jayson Tatum had a great game with 28 points and 11 boards while Jaylen Brown (25 points) and Malcolm Brogdon (23 points) also scored 20-plus. The issue was on the defensive end where Boston gave up 28 to DeMar DeRozan while five other Bulls finished in double digits.

Boston has benefited from excellent depth scoring so far as seven players are averaging at least 10 points per game. Brogdon has been a nice addition off the bench, scoring 13.8 points per contest while averaging just under 23 minutes. Tatum and Brown continue to do their thing, too, combining for about 55 points per game. Tatum is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game, however, with an ankle injury.

Mavericks: Keys To Victory

Defense comes first for Dallas and that’ll be the key factor on Wednesday if the Mavericks are going to hand Boston its second straight loss. If Tatum is out, that’ll also be a huge bonus for the Mavs as they’ll really only have to key in on Brown and maybe Brogdon. If the Mavericks play hard, this one could be closer than some might expect.

Celtics: Keys To Victory

Tatum could be out, which would obviously be a big blow, but this is where Boston’s impressive depth can step up and shine. Brogdon may be given the chance to take on more minutes and he’s certainly capable of putting up points, having recorded 23 in his last game and 25 against the Bulls earlier this month. Even if Tatum is out, the Celtics have enough depth to cause the Mavericks some problems.

NBA Computer Pick: Celtics -7

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