Celtics @ Mavericks tips and predictions: Bet the Mavs to start strong in Game Three of NBA Finals

The Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics clash in Game Three of the NBA Finals on Wednesday and we’ve picked out our favourite bets.

Suggested bets

Dallas Mavericks to win first quarter

Under 212.5 points

 

Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks (0135 BST)

The Boston Celtics have a 2-0 lead in the NBA finals. As was the case in other series during the NBA playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks made a slow start, falling 107-89 in game one.

They closed the gap in game two, losing 105-98 thanks to some clutch play down the stretch from Jrue Holiday as Jason Kidd’s side was kept at arm's length.

On paper, this was much more of a contest. In reality, the Celtics only needed fleeting glimpses of their quality to put some distance in the box score.

The biggest disparity between the sides was depth. Boston took control in the second half of the third quarter, punishing Dallas’ every move as Kyrie Irving and others took a breather.

Luka Doncic did what he does with a 32-point triple-double, yet the Mavs star looked weary at times during his 42-minute stint, which makes sense.

We mentioned Boston’s ability to space the floor being a key factor in our game one preview because the Mavericks have improved at defending in the paint but at the expense of being vulnerable to the three.

Two games into this series and the Celtics have made a mockery of a very good defence and if the Dallas defence isn’t firing, it’s hard to see what this team has to offer.

Joe Mazzulla’s side went a perfect 15 from 15 in the restricted area in game one and followed that up by making 20-of-27 in game two.

Kristaps Porzingis has played a major part in that with the Dallas bigs continuously leaving smaller players to defend the paint while guarding the three-point threat.

On the opposite end of the floor, Kyrie Irving has done little to help Doncic, who in turn has been forced to shoulder the burden.

The lack of help on the offensive end translates to a lack of help on the defensive end from Luka, who may start to struggle the longer this scenario continues.

Despite all of that and the likely fact the trophy is going to Boston, we expect Dallas’ best effort to come in the first quarter here as they feed off of the home-court energy.

For that reason, we’ll back them to win the first quarter, but we’re not sure they’ll be able to contain Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Celtics rotation throughout 48 minutes of play, so we'll avoid the match handicap.

The only way Dallas can win that first quarter is through intense defence, which Boston is capable of matching. The first quarter could just do enough damage that the total goes under.