Dallas Mavericks @ Boston Celtics tips and predictions: Buck the total trend and bet over in Game Five of NBA Finals
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics could wrap up the NBA Finals with a win over the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on Monday night (0130 BST Tues) but our focus is on the total.
Boston Celtics can wrap up the NBA Finals with a win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five and we’re predicting a fierce contest to produce points.
Suggested bets
First quarter: Over 53.5 points
Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks (0130 BST)
Dallas delivered on our bet for game four as Kristaps Porzingis’ absence was very noticeable, allowing the Mavericks to get the better of the Celtics in the paint again.
The knock-on effect of no Porzingis and the difference in spacing allowed the Mavs defence to be tighter around the paint and eliminate easy shots.
Although Jason Kidd’s side did their job on defence, intensity all over the court was a huge factor, and it quickly became apparent that Boston just couldn’t match their hosts.
Just about every facet of their game was below par versus previous performances and it begs the question if this series is about to turn, or if Boston were just catching their breath.
The Celtics are an experienced, talented and level-headed group, so the game four route in Dallas isn’t likely to affect them, but rather motivate them.
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They’re back on home court for game five and have the chance to wrap up the NBA Finals with a comfortable 4-1 victory.
We’ve made some money betting under the total in this series, but there are warning signs that this game could be the first to go over the total.
Dallas have pushed the tempo in the last two matches and scored 122 in game four. That isn’t going to happen again, although neither is Boston scoring a paltry 84.
The games prior produced 205 and 203, which is marginally below the posted total.
We think that all of the things that have pushed the previous totals close should combine tonight, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing full tilt to keep Dallas alive.
We also expect a response from Jayson Tatum and co, which could include bringing the tempo and dropping a big number in the first quarter of the game.
