NBA Finals 2024 Preview: Mavericks vs Celtics Series Odds, Schedule & Early Picks

This 2023-24 NBA Finals preview and early Mavericks vs. Celtics betting picks are brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from NBA postseason odds to the UFC and everything in between.

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The 2023-24 basketball season is officially down to just two teams as we finally reach this year’s NBA Finals. The latest championship matchup is shaping up to be a good one as the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics are set to collide in a best-of-seven series beginning on Thursday, June 6.

Over the last 50 years, Luka has joined an exclusive club of scoring champions who have made it to the NBA Finals in the same season!

Doncic and the @dallasmavs visit Boston for Game 1 of the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV on Thursday at 8:30pm/et on ABC. pic.twitter.com/mmKiPM6gah

— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2024

Considering the hurdles these teams have overcome to get here, there’s no doubt this series will be a fierce battle. Jayson Tatum and the Celtics may have the edge in experience, but as long as Luka Doncic is in the fray, one should never underestimate the Mavericks.

As usual, this year’s finals are riddled with betting prospects, whether you’re interested in single-game bets or wish to place a wager on the Finals MVP race. If you’re considering betting on the series’ outcome, this article has all the information you need.

Let’s delve into this preview of the 2023-24 NBA Finals, which includes the most recent series odds, the forthcoming schedule, and my initial betting selections.

NBA Finals 2024: Mavericks vs. Celtics Series Schedule

  • Game 1: @ TD Garden — Thursday, June 6 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Game 2: @ TD Garden — Sunday, June 9 at 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Game 3: @ American Airlines Center — Wednesday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Game 4: @ American Airlines Center — Friday, June 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Game 5: @ TD Garden — Monday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Game 6: @ American Airlines Center — Thursday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Game 7: @ TD Garden — Sunday, June 23 at 8 p.m. ET (ABC)

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Mavericks vs Celtics NBA Finals Odds

All Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals 2024 odds are courtesy of BetOnline. 

  • Series odds: Mavericks (+175) | Celtics (-205)
  • Number of games: 4 (+475) | 5 (+240) | 6 (+210) | 7 (+225)
  • Series total: 5.5 games — Over (-160) | Under (-130)
  • Most likely scenario: Celtics 4-1 (+325)

NBA Finals MVP Odds 2023-24

All Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals MVP 2024 odds are courtesy of BetOnline. 

  • Jayson Tatum, BOS (-115)
  • Luka Doncic, DAL (+200)
  • Jaylen Brown, BOS (+650)
  • Kyrie Irving, DAL (+1400)
  • Derrick White, BOS (+3300)
  • Kristaps Porzingis, BOS (+3500)
  • Jrue Holiday, BOS (+5000)
  • P.J. Washington, DAL (+25000)
  • Al Horford, BOS (+25000)
  • Derrick Jones Jr., DAL (+50000)
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Early Mavericks vs Celtics NBA Finals Predictions & Best Bet

After three grueling rounds to begin the NBA postseason, the Mavericks and Celtics will now decide who gets to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy this spring.

The Mavericks have returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2011 victory. Doncic & Co. have faced challenges throughout the playoffs but have managed to eliminate the Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Clippers in six games, and defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to secure the Eastern Conference Finals.

This year signifies the Celtics’ second NBA Finals appearance in the last three seasons. Having missed out on the title two years ago, Boston is now vying for its first championship in 16 years. They’ve managed to secure their spot in the finals after defeating the Miami Heat in 5 games, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games, and the Indiana Pacers in 4 games.

Some fans and experts alike have criticized the Celtics for having an “easy” path to the 2023-24 NBA Finals. 

The 2024 NBA Finals are showcasing an impressive amount of top-tier talent. With the Mavericks being spearheaded by Doncic, who averages 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, and Kyrie Irving, who averages 22.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, they are in sync and performing strongly. It will be intriguing to observe Irving’s performance against his former team, the Celtics, with whom he played for two seasons five years ago.

Meanwhile, the Celtics have arrived at this stage thanks to significant performances from Jayson Tatum (averaging 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game) and Jaylen Brown (averaging 25.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game), who are elevating their game to new heights. This doesn’t even take into account other all-star-caliber players on Boston’s roster, such as Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and former Maverick, Kristaps Porzingis.

The Mavericks and Celtics, being in different conferences, only face off twice in the regular season. Boston triumphed in both encounters, initially securing a 119-110 win on the road on January 22, followed by a significant 138-110 victory at their home court, TD Garden, on March 1.

The Celtics, following those triumphs, now hold a record of 11-5 SU in their previous 16 encounters with the Mavericks. This record includes victories in the last four games, each with an average lead of 19.8 points.

The Mavericks haven’t had much luck against the Celtics in recent years. Will Kyrie Irving overcome his former team?

As good as both teams are, I’m taking the Celtics to win the NBA Finals. Boston has consistently gone on deep playoff runs lately, which is the type of experience that’ll help them at this point. The Mavericks are good, but this is uncharted territory for them and we have to remember they haven’t played for a championship since Doncic was 14 years old.

As for the best series bet, let’s go with the Celtics in six games. The Mavericks are good enough to avoid being swept and I won’t be surprised if they steal a win in Boston along with one at home. The Celtics are the better team in this series, no doubt, but let’s not sell the Mavs short just yet.

Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals Prediction: BOS

Best Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals Bet: BOS 4-2 (+425)

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NBA Finals 2023-24 FAQ

When are the 2023-24 NBA Finals?

  • The NBA Finals for the 2023-24 season are set to start on Thursday, June 6, and are expected to conclude by Sunday, June 23.

Where are the 2023-24 NBA Finals?

  • The NBA Finals for 2023-24 will take place at TD Garden in Boston and the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

How can I watch the 2023-24 Finals?

  • ABC will exclusively air every game of the 2023-24 NBA Finals.

Where can I bet on the 2023-24 Finals?

  • Basketball bettors can wager on this year’s NBA Championship and Finals MVP odds on the majority of online sportsbooks, including the following that Betting News highly recommends:
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