Boston Celtics (64-18) vs. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 6/12/24 – As the NBA Finals press on to a crucial Game 3 on June 12, 2024, the Boston Celtics, with a dominant regular season record of 64-18, take on the Dallas Mavericks, who closed their season at a respectable 50-32. Holding a 2-0 lead in the series, the Celtics aim to tighten their grip on the championship trajectory. This showdown, packed with high stakes and drama, will unfold at the American Airlines Center, capturing the attention of basketball enthusiasts eager for expert sports handicapping insights. This game, scheduled for an 8:30 PM ET start and broadcast nationally on ABC, promises to deliver top-tier basketball action.
These playoffs have seen the Celtics establish themselves as a true force with the team boasting an average of 111.1 points per game along with some effective shooting having hit more field goals at a (48%) efficiency along with a nearly 14.7 attempts per game at a 36.9% conversion from three-point range. Their performance as a defense also turns out to be strong as the team of producers collect 43.9 rebounds per game and make 6.3 steals per game on average. Behind on points, which demonstrate great performance of the Boston offense, these figures also illustrate the ability to regulate pace and dominate the game on both offense and defense.
On the other side, the Mavericks appear to have a lot of tenacity and hierarchical organization balance averaging 106. Exactly 9 points per game this postseason. It is noted that shooting interestingly is at 46.8, while three pointers are made at a rate of 12.3. This means that although they are not such a great shooting team generally, free throw is one area they lack in as they shoot at 72.4%. On defense, Dallas has equally maintained the rate of competitiveness with averages of 43.1 rebounds and 6. With 5 steals per game that has helped ensure games are close.
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 6/12/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | American Airlines Center |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Luka Doncic (PG)
Jayson Tatum was a significant playing factor based on the Current version of the Boston Celtics. He has scored 25.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, spanning across more than 15 games, proving how important he is at both defense and attack. His play making skills which are 5.9 assists per game as well as scoring makes him a player to worry any defending team. Nevertheless, the question for Tatum will be how to play at the same high level under the applied defensive pressure characteristic of the games of the NBA finals.
Luka Doncic, the nucleus of the Mavericks has been unbelievable with averages of 28.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists. His efficiency at making plays, and more importantly, putting up points during tightly-contended games has been a key point in the way Dallas has out of the game. Nevertheless, his turn-over per game average of 3.9 was a little alarming especially in the high-stake games where possession was critical.
This clash between Tatum and Doncic promises to be one of the most critical ones. The two players have strengths which they apply on the field, but their concepts of defending each other and how they would be breaking shall determine the rhythm of the game. How each star can assert power and dominate the show while having to deal with the other’s strategies of defense will be interesting.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Boston Celtics +101, Total Odds: 212.5
The betting landscape sees the Mavericks as slight favorites at -120, with the spread set at -1.5. The total for the game is pegged at 212.5, reflecting expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair, a common trend in games involving these two teams.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
The Celtics have shown consistency, especially in high-pressure situations, evidenced by their balanced performance against the spread in road games (19-19). Their recent trend, with totals going over in four of their last five games, suggests an offensive upswing that bettors might consider when looking at the over/under.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Conversely, the Mavericks have a strong record against the spread in road games (27-14), indicating their ability to perform under varying conditions. However, the fluctuating performance in recent games (3-2 against the spread) suggests a potential vulnerability that could be exploited by a well-disciplined Celtics team.
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks 6/12/24 Betting Picks
Considering the current form and statistics, the Celtics might be the smarter pick, especially with the underdog odds offering value. Their ability to maintain offensive efficiency and defensive resilience could see them covering the spread and possibly securing a win to extend their series lead.
For prop bets, considering the high-impact performances expected from Tatum and Doncic, betting on their point totals could be lucrative. The total game score leaning towards the over, considering the offensive capabilities displayed by both teams throughout the postseason, forms a part of this NBA free odds analysis.
Free Pick and Prediction: Boston Celtics 110, Dallas Mavericks 106.