NBA Finals G2: Mavericks-Celtics Preview, Props, Odds
Sun Jun 9 2:09pm ET
Field Level Media
The Boston Celtics are coming off a rout in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but can't let their collective foot off the gas as they attempt to take a 2-0 series lead and maintain home-court advantage over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
TRENDING
The Celtics cruised to an 18-point win in Game 1 and opened as 7.5-point favorites ahead of Game 2. However, that line has been trimmed to 6.5 points, including at BetMGM, where the Mavericks have been backed by 70 percent of the spread-line money and 57 percent of the bets.
The public largely is expecting a far stronger effort from Dallas on Sunday night. The Mavericks' +220 moneyline has drawn 56 percent of the money and 73 percent of the total bets.
The Mavs sputtered out of the gate in Game 1, contributing heavily to the 196 total points scored. The Over/Under ahead of Game 2 is 214.5 points, with the Over supported by 52 percent of the money and 60 percent of the total bets at the book.
PROP PICK
Kyrie Irving Over 22.5 Points (-108 at DraftKings): This is the most popular player points prop at the book. Irving is coming off a 12-point effort in Game 1 in which he made a dismal 6 of 13 shot attempts. That came after averaging 27.0 points in Dallas' five-game series win over Minnesota.
THE NEWS
It will take a lot more than psychological warfare to slow down the Celtics if they manage to replicate their Game 1 performance. Boston cruised to a 107-89 victory on Thursday night, leading by as many as 29 points.
Jaylen Brown finished with a team-high 22 points for the Celtics, while Kristaps Porzingis returned from a 10-game absence due to a calf strain to pour in 20 in 21 minutes off the bench. Jayson Tatum finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Luka Doncic went for 30 points and 10 boards for Dallas, but Irving largely was held in check. Irving missed all five of his 3-point attempts and committed three turnovers while being taunted by Boston fans all night.
Most of the Mavericks' struggles stemmed from a lack of ball movement, as Dallas finished with only nine assists -- the fewest by any team in a game this season. Coach Jason Kidd is hoping for a more fluid performance in Game 2.
"I thought we were too much one-on-one. We've got to move bodies. We've got to move the ball. Multiple guys got to touch the ball," Kidd said. "We were just too stagnant, and that's not the way we play. So, we've got to be better (Sunday)."
KEY STAT
Irving is now 0-11 in his past 11 games against the Celtics, a losing streak that he is confident he can shed on Sunday.
"Just got to calm our nerves, poise our nerves a little bit and also just be aware of the environment that we're in," Irving said. "It's going to be high intense from who we're going against. It's going to be very physical. Some things are going to be called, some things aren't.
"So I think we got all that experience in Game 1, and we're looking forward to the challenge in Game 2 to playing better, and being who we have been since post-All-Star break. ... We're the only two teams playing, so we're proud of ourselves, but we're not satisfied."
THEY SAID IT
Tatum and Brown aren't letting Kidd create a rift between them ahead of Game 2.
Kidd referred to Brown as Boston's best player while speaking to reporters on Saturday. Whether he truly meant it or was simply trying to play mind games with the Celtics remains a mystery, but the comment didn't elicit a reaction from Tatum or Brown.
"We understand that people try to drive a wedge in between us," Tatum said. "Guess it's a smart thing to do -- or try to do. But we've been in this position for many years of guys trying to divide us and say that one of us should be traded or one's better than the other. So it's not our first time at the rodeo."
Boston veteran Al Horford thought Kidd's intentions were pretty clear.
"J-Kidd, man. I see what he's doing," Horford said. "Jaylen Brown is an unbelievable player ... and very special for us."
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According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham could receive a contract extension this offseason. Edwards, who covers the Pistons, is "99.9 percent sure" it will happen, adding he'd "be stunned" if it didn't. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has averaged 20.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds during his career. But some may argue against giving Cunningham a max rookie extension, considering he's been limited to 138 games since entering the league because of various injuries. Nonetheless, he still has upside for fantasy managers if he can stay healthy during most of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he has had issues taking care of the ball, averaging 3.5 turnovers. At the same time, Cunningham has shot a subpar 32.9% from behind the arc, which won't earn him praise from category participants.
According to Mihalis Stefanou of Eurohoops.net, citing sources, Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov informed the team he doesn't intend to return. While it's unknown if the 2023 EuroLeague MVP wants to remain in the NBA or head back overseas, it appears he won't be suiting up for Sacramento in 2024-25. Vezenkov, who signed a three-year, $20 million deal with the Kings last summer, averaged only 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from deep in 42 games. With that said, there should be more updates on this situation heading into the offseason. But Vezenkov has plenty of talent, so he could turn things around if he stays in the NBA and gets playing time, whether it be in Sacramento or with a new team.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is probable for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against Boston. Doncic will likely remain on the injury report until the end of the series. However, barring a setback, he should continue to play. The 25-year-old wasn't his best in the loss to the Celtics on Thursday, scoring 30 points while shooting 12-for-26 from the field and 4-for-12 from deep. He also had just one assist. Doncic was observed grimacing throughout Game 1, so he's likely not 100 percent. With that in mind, he's a risky option for DFS managers, especially since he easily has the highest rostering cost.
According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal underwent a nose procedure after the team was bounced from the postseason. The former Wizard suffered a broken nose in January. However, Beal had hinted after it happened that he would need to have his "septum realigned," so the latest update on his health didn't catch many by surprise. The 30-year-old averaged 18.2 points in his first season with the Suns, five fewer than his final season in Washington. He also logged just 53 games, missing time because of back and hamstring injuries. But Phoenix is strapped for cash this offseason, meaning everyone in the starting lineup should see plenty of minutes. If Beal can stay healthy, he has a chance to turn it around, even with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker also in the mix for scoring chances.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) will play in Thursday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. He was listed as probable heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals. However, there wasn't much concern regarding his availability, considering he's battled lingering knee and ankle soreness for weeks. The 25-year-old wasn't himself during the Conference Semifinals. However, Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting 43.4% from behind the arc in the previous series versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. While he may not be as productive against Boston, he remains a top DFS option for Game 1.
Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) is good to go for Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the Boston Celtics. The rookie has been sidelined for most of the postseason because of a sprained left ankle. However, with Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II available, Prosper isn't anticipated to do much for DFS managers.
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, impending free agent guard/forward Buddy Hield is expected to draw "strong interest" from teams this offseason, with the Bucks, Magic, Suns, and Timberwolves the favorites to acquire his talents. After inking a four-year, $94 million contract with the Kings in 2020-21, Hield was dealt to Indiana before eventually ending up in Philadelphia for the 2023-24 campaign. While Hield had some solid performances, he struggled overall by averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 38.9% from deep. Fortunately, the 2016 No. 6 overall pick could turn things around with a new club, meaning he has a good chance to bounce back for fantasy managers in 2024-25.
According to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) won't have a minutes restriction on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran has been sidelined for well over a month because of a Soleus strain. With that said, Porzingis could still see less work than usual, meaning Al Horford remains a viable, albeit risky, DFS option for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic had a game-high 30 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the Celtics. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, with Boston taking the win to claim the first contest of the series. Doncic added 10 rebounds and two steals. However, he struggled shooting, going 12-for-26 from the field and 4-for-12 from deep while contributing only one assist. The 25-year-old is still burdened by lingering knee and ankle soreness, and he was observed grimacing in pain throughout the contest. As such, Doncic will likely appear on the injury report heading into Game 2 on Sunday in Boston. But, as usual, he still has a good chance to be the most productive player on the floor.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had a double-double in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. He amassed 16 points and 11 rebounds, adding five assists and a block. Unfortunately, the former Duke Blue Devil had issues taking care of the ball in Game 1, committing six turnovers. Tatum was arguably the C's most productive performer throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. But it's not uncommon for him to have an off night on the scoring end. With that in mind, Tatum could turn things around in Game 2, with Boston looking to earn another win before the series heads back to Dallas.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) was available for the win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Despite missing over a month with a Soleus strain, the veteran looked great in his 21 minutes off the bench, amassing 20 points off 8-for-13 shooting from the field while adding six boards and three blocks. Head coach Joe Mazzulla indicated before the game that Porzingis wouldn't have a minutes restriction. While that should continue to be the case in Game 2 on Sunday, he may not see the floor much more than in Game 1. However, as long as Porzingis remains as productive, DFS managers won't mind.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown had a team-high 22 points in the win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday evening. He added six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks. While Jayson Tatum is always the focal point for opposing defenses, Brown had another solid showing. There's no reason why that trend shouldn't continue for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, so DFS managers should keep him on the radar.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving struggled in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Boston on Thursday. He scored only 12 points, shooting a rough 6-for-19 from the field while failing to make any of his five attempts from deep. Although he added three boards, two assists, and two steals, it wasn't his best showing. At any rate, head coach Jason Kidd will likely make some adjustments for Game 2 on Sunday night, meaning Irving has a chance to get back on track in an attempt to knot the series ahead of Game 3 in Dallas.
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday contributed in the way he knows best, all-around on offense and a strong showing on defense. In the Game 1 blowout win over the Dallas Mavericks, the veteran combo guard registered 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal while shooting 4-for-9 from the floor and 2-for-5 from deep. He didn't commit a single turnover and was a big part of the defensive masterclass against Kyrie Irving and company. Holiday and Derrick White have been a huge one-two punch in the backcourt and they'll continue to be showcased throughout this Finals matchup.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington delivered the second-most points on the team behind the 30-point performance from Luka Doncic. The bad thing is that resulted in a blowout loss in Game 1 by the tune of 107-89. Washington posted 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting and chipped in eight rebounds and one assist. He was unable to hit any threes in this contest and the team followed suit as they went 7-for-27 from deep. The former Hornet has been a key piece to the Mavericks' playoff run so far, and he's likely to deliver at least a couple of big offensive performances. His defensive abilities will be tested against the potent Celtics offense.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy provided the biggest scoring punch off of the bench while the rest of the bench combined for just seven points. The second-year combo guard finished the game with 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one made three. He shot 4-for-8 from the floor and knocked down all four of his free throw attempts as well. Hardy saw fewer minutes per game this season than his rookie year, but he's played in more games and has put together some important performances through the playoffs so far. He's climbed higher in the postseason depth chart than Tim Hardaway Jr. which wasn't something that many people predicted in the preseason.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White didn't need to break out the heroics in Game 1 for the team to notch a blowout win over the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran guard finished with 15 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal, and two turnovers while shooting 5-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-8 from downtown. The fact that this seemed like a down game for White is a problem for the Mavericks. The offensive firepower ran through Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis in this one, but White has the ability to lead the team in scoring on any given night. His defense has also been a key piece in their success and he'll look to do more of the same in Game 2 on Sunday.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is probable for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Despite having a week off, the 25-year-old is back on the injury report because of knee and ankle soreness, something he's dealt with throughout the postseason. However, DFS managers have nothing to worry about, as Doncic is nearly a lock to be ready for Thursday night. While he struggled during the Conference semifinals, averaging 24.7 points, he turned it around in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 32.4 points. With that in mind, Doncic will make a fine addition to any DFS lineup, assuming he's cleared to play.
Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's playoff meeting against the Boston Celtics. He's been sidelined for most of the postseason because of a sprained left ankle. However, with Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the rookie won't see much action even if he gets the green light to suit up.
Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) will officially be available for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against Dallas on Thursday. The Celtics have removed him from their injury report and list no other injuries. Porzingis last played on April 29 in Game 4 of Boston's first-round matchup against Miami. After missing four weeks of action, he likely won't be at his best on Thursday, but it will be great to see Porzingis back in action. His return means a lesser role for Al Horford, although the veteran should still play an important role in the rotation.