Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals has the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks squaring off on Monday. The Celtics own a 3-1 series lead over the Mavs after Dallas won Game 4 on Friday. Both teams have yet to lose a Game 5 in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Dallas is 3-0, averaging 117 points per game in those wins. Meanwhile, Boston is 2-0 with 115.5 points per matchup. Kristaps Porzingis (leg) is questionable for Boston in Game 5.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics are 6.5-point favorites in the latest Mavericks vs. Celtics odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 210.5, up a point from the opening line. Before making any Celtics vs. Mavericks picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model entered the 2024 NBA Finals on a sizzling 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Mavericks vs. Celtics and just locked in its picks and NBA Finals predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Mavericks:
- Mavericks vs. Celtics spread: Boston -6.5
- Mavericks vs. Celtics over/under: 210.5 points
- Mavericks vs. Celtics money line: Boston -278, Dallas +2221
- BOS: The Celtics are 5-0 in their past five games at home
- DAL: The Mavs are 1-7 in their last eight games against Boston
- Mavericks vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Forward Jayson Tatum has a tremendous offensive game plan. Tatum has impressive footwork to create space on the perimeter due to his reliable jumper. Additionally, he can dish out some dimes and find the open man. In the 2024 NBA playoffs, Tatum ranks first on the team in points (24.7), rebounds (9.8) and assists (6). In Game 3, he dropped 31 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Guard Derrick White is another playmaker in the backcourt. White does a great job of spacing the floor to force the defense into tough situations. The Colorado product also plays stingy defense. He's averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in the playoffs. On June 12, White totaled 16 points, five boards and four assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Mavericks can cover
Forward PJ Washington is an athletic wing playmaker in the frontcourt. Washington has a reliable jumper and has the ability to put the ball on the deck to attack the rim. In the 2024 NBA playoffs, Washington averages 13.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and has shot 36.2% from beyond the arc. In Game 3, Washington finished with 13 points, eight boards and made three 3-pointers.
Center Dereck Lively II brings a nice punch to the frontcourt. Lively II sets strong screens and has soft hands around the rim. The Duke product also fights on the glass. He's finished with a double-double in back-to-back games. In the Game 4 win, Lively II totaled 11 points, 12 rebounds, and went 4-of-5 from the field. See which team to pick here.
How to make Celtics vs. Mavericks picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 215 points. The model also says one side hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Mavericks, and which side has hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is 94-61 on top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.
