The Boston Celtics (17-7) will travel to the American Airlines Center to square off with the Dallas Mavericks (18-8). The Celtics opened as 1-point favorites. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 218.5 points and it will air on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Odds
In the Mavericks’ last outing, they beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 120-116, despite being 10-point underdogs. The Celtics, on the other hand, were beat by the Philadelphia 76ers, 115-109, and were unable to cover as 1-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Dallas game finished 9 points over the projected point total of 227, while the Boston game finished 11.5 points over the projected point total of 212.5.
The Mavericks made 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent) and held the Bucks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.471 (below their season average of 0.565). Boston, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 5.7 (better than their season average of 11.5). Kristaps Porzingis played a pivotal role for Dallas with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Boston received a boost from Kemba Walker, who put up 29 points and eight assists.
In their first matchup this year, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 116-106 victory. He recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 222 points, which was just over the projected point total of 221, and Boston covered as a 3-point favorite. Boston made 15 of its 35 three pointers (42.9 percent). Dallas, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (5.6 vs. 8.5).
Vegas tends to set the total high when the Celtics are involved, as 14 of their 24 games have gone under the projected point total. Boston comes into the contest with records of 17-7 straight up (SU) and 14-9-1 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Boston, Mavericks games tend to go over the total (65.4 percent). Further, Dallas owns records of 18-8 SU and 16-10 ATS.
Ball protection could play a key role in this contest. Dallas commits the fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 11.9 percent), while the pesky defense of Boston forces the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.1 percent).
Celtics at Mavericks Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Mavericks, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Mavericks rank fourth in rebounds per game (48.1) while the Celtics rank 18th in rebounds allowed per game (46.0).
- Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (12.0) while Dallas ranks 27th (15.6).
- The Mavericks rank second in blocks allowed per game (3.6) while the Celtics rank 22nd (5.6).
- Boston ranks eighth in steals per game (8.3) while Dallas ranks 27th (6.2).
- Boston ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (42.1) while Dallas ranks 16th (48.3).
- The Mavericks rank second in three pointers attempted per game (40.8) while the Celtics rank 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (34.8).
- The Celtics rank ninth in points off turnovers per game (18.0) while the Mavericks rank 25th (15.3).
- Dallas averages 15.2 second chance points per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Boston ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
- Boston is 6-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Dallas is 3-0.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Mavericks are 18-7 and the Celtics are 16-4.
- Dallas is 6-8 ATS at home, while Boston is 7-5-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 8 of the Celtics’ 13 road games, while 9 of the Mavericks’ 14 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Boston and Dallas are both 3-2 ATS.
- The Celtics have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Mavericks have 4 overs and 1 under
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.6 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
- The Mavericks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 9.0 for the season.
