NBA Finals Game 2 Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 06/09/24

The Boston Celtics kicked off the NBA Finals with an emphatic 107-89 win against the Dallas Mavericks to open up Game 1. They easily covered their -6.5 closing line and managed to stay under 217.5 total score, though late-game action slowed significantly. As of Saturday afternoon, Game 2 is open with an opening spread of -7 with a total sitting at 214.5, with minimal change expected between now and then.

Mavericks vs Celtics

• Spread: Boston -7
• Moneyline Dallas +215
• Moneyline Boston -260
• Over/Under 214.5

These odds were updated at 6 am EST on 06/09/24, coming from Draft Kings.

Our Best Pick: Mavericks to Cover

Dallas appeared unable to generate offense in Game 1, primarily due to Boston’s defensive game plan. They avoided blitzing, as has been their practice all season; instead, they changed schemes, switched defense, and used drop coverage judiciously—something that prevented Dallas from hitting shots when Boston switched defense or took advantage of drop coverage with shooting.

Kyrie Irving struggled from the field due to Jrue Holiday’s relentless defense. Holiday’s ability to fight over screens, lock on to Irving and restrict space was instrumental to their defensive success – not only limited his scoring (6 for 19 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3), but he was also effective at eliminating other aspects of Irving’s game that make him effective when his shot wasn’t falling (only two assists and zero free-throw attempts from him!). Dallas may try their hardest in Game 2, but I doubt this series will be high scoring regardless.

The Celtics did an exceptional job of negating Dallas Mavs’ corner three attempts during Game 1, something that will need to be rectified in Game 2. Dallas attempted only four corner 3s in total. If Dallas wants to match Boston’s dynamic offense, more 3-point looks all around must come their way.

Kristaps Porzingis missed two rounds with a calf strain, so his health status was the main focus for Game 1. I liked Boston entering this series because of Porzingis’ unique combination of stretching the floor and protecting the rim – something I noticed again after Game 1 went down. His unique skillset makes them hard to guard against; perhaps Game 2 should involve finding ways to reduce his effectiveness while still exploiting their advantage – however that will be difficult given his 3-point line is relatively modest (1.5) due to all his extra juice!

Jayson Tatum is another key factor in this series, although not necessarily because of his scoring. The Celtics can score without needing Tatum to drop 25 points every night; his size and rebounding prowess make him Boston’s most valuable player, contrary to Jason Kidd’s claims of Jaylen Brown being their top performer. Let us show you how to bet on the NBA Playoffs!

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Mavericks to cover

• Rebounding will be the key
• Boston at Home
• Mavs will hang tough

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

The best basketball betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of basketball bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some action physically. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Caesars Promo

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

–

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Mavericks vs Celtics Moneyline

The only money line bet worth it in this game is on the Mavericks; the Celtic’s money line offers no value.If you are looking for the best sportsbook, we’ve got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Mavericks to cover

• Money line value on Mavericks
• No moneyline value with Boston
• Luka to have a big game

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

Mavericks vs Celtics Over/Under Analysis

The over/under is 214.5; game one would have gone over if Dallas played better, the pace of game one slowed dramatically in the last five minutes since the game was already decided. I expect the Mavs to play much better in game 2, bet the over.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Over 214.5

• Odds favor game in the 100s
• Game will be played at a fast pace
• Rebounding will be key

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

Mavericks vs Celtics Spread Analysis

I think the spread is high, but to be expected. At first glance, many people will bet Boston and give the points. A closer look will show you a much improved Mavericks team ready to hang with the Celtics. Don’t read too much about what happened in game one.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Mavericks to Cover

• Which team controls the post
• Mavs will play better in game 2
• Dallas need to shoot lights out

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

Mavericks vs Celtics Head-to-Head

The Celtics have dominated the Mavericks over the last two years, but as I keep saying, this is not the same Mavericks team. They are one of the few teams in the NBA that match up well with the Celtics. Check out our guide to betting on NBA Playoff Parlays.

Injuries and Suspensions

Mavericks Injury Report

• Prosper- Out
• Doncic- Questionable

Celtics Injury Report

• Porzingis- Questionable

Conclusion

This will be a great series, and you will see a focused Mavericks team stay in this game all the way to the end. I see Dallas covering the spread and possibly even winning this game.