The Boston Celtics (31-14) and Dallas Mavericks (24-21) will meet in the NBA this evening. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Celtics are 8-point favorites over the Mavericks on the spread (Celtics -8), with the over/under set at 224.5 total points. Boston is a -340 favorite to win outright, while Dallas is +270 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Celtics vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, January 25.
Celtics vs. Mavericks Picks, Prediction
Spread
My Mavericks vs. Celtics best bets are on Boston to cover the first half spread at -4 and the Under at 224.5, with the best lines currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Moneyline
This is a Mavs-or-nothing moneyline spot. I love Dallas, legitimately one of my favorite teams in the league to keep up with, but I'm not backing them here.
Over/Under
Boston has tallied only six Overs in 20 games as a road favorite, and Dallas is 3-4 to the over as a home underdog. Signs point to under, which I'll play at 222.5. My tipping point is 220.5.
My Picks: Under 224.5 | Celtics First Half Spread -4
Celtics vs. Mavericks Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 224.5 -110 / -110 | -340 |
| Mavericks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 224.5 -110 / -110 | +270 |
- Celtics vs. Mavericks spread: Celtics -8
- Celtics vs. Mavericks over/under: 224.5 total points
- Celtics vs. Mavericks moneyline: Mavericks +270, Celtics -340
- Celtics vs. Mavericks best bet: Celtics 1H -4, Under 224.5
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks Predictions, Preview
This should be a get-right spot for Boston fresh off an awful loss against the Lakers in Los Angeles two nights ago.
This could also be a let-down spot for the Mavericks after upsetting the Thunder on the road on Thursday night.
Boston is 10-3 against the spread when coming off of a loss. Dallas is 10-13 ATS following a win.
Boston is only 9-10-1 as a road favorite this season, which gives me hesitation along with their recent play in general.
"Mazzulla Ball" isn't nearly as deadly as it was last year, which is what some of us thought would happen if the Celtics played a real team in the playoffs (especially in the Eastern Conference).
That said, I like Boston in this one, but in the first half as opposed to the full game.
I outlined all the reasons to back them, but I trust them more in a first-half spot, which I'm seeing at -4. However, if this line moves beyond -5, I'm out.
Best Bet: Celtics First Half Spread -4 | Under 224.5
Celtics vs. Mavericks Parlay Picks
- Under 224.5
- Celtics 1H -4
Parlay Payout: +282
Celtics vs. Mavericks Betting Trends
