Category: NBA Finals

Luka Doncic Injury Downgrade Doesn't Shift Mavericks vs. Celtics Game 2 Odds
9 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Luka Doncic Injury Downgrade Doesn’t Shift Mavericks vs. Celtics Game 2 Odds

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has been downgraded from probable to questionable (Thoracic Contusion; Right Knee Sprain; Left Ankle Soreness) for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.

Doncic, who played in Game 1 and scored 30 points, has been dealing with ankle and knee injuries since Game 3 of the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite the injuries, Doncic has been effective for most of the playoffs, dominating in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Even with Doncic listed as questionable, oddsmakers have not moved the odds in Boston's favor for Game 2.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Moneyline

Total

This is a very similar line to the one we saw in Game 1 of this series, in fact it had reach Dallas +7 at points this week.

So, Doncic's injury appears to have no impact on the current spread, which is a sign that oddsmakers expect him to suit up and play in Game 2.

Doncic apparently was grabbing at his chest/rib area during the Mavs' practice ahead of Game 2.

This injury designation could just be gamesmanship by the Mavs, but it's certainly a little concerning to see Doncic downgraded before the biggest game of the season to date.

Dallas has been solid in the playoffs and this season as a road underdog, going 14-12 against the spread overall. If Doncic ends up getting ruled out, this spread would skyrocket in favor of Boston, but for now it appears he will at least try to give it a go based on these odds.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic, NBA, NBA Finals
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Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Expert Prediction and Odds for NBA Finals Game 2 (Bet Boston Early)
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Expert Prediction and Odds for NBA Finals Game 2 (Bet Boston Early)

Game 1 of the NBA Finals was all Boston, as the Boston Celtics opened up the biggest first-quarter lead in a Game 1 in NBA history on Thursday night and cruised to a 107-89 win to take a 1-0 series lead.

Boston is now -400 to win the NBA Finals – an implied probability of 80 percent – and it is heavily favored again in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead.

Dallas’ role players struggled in Game 1, as PJ Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., Daniel Gafford,  Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II gave the team very little on offense. Kyrie Irving (12 points) also shot terribly from the field, going 6-for-19. 

What’s most impressive about Boston’s Game 1 win was that Jayson Tatum (6-for-16 shooting, six turnovers) did not play well by his standards, and the C’s still cruised to a win. 

Jaylen Brown (22 points on 7-of-12 shooting), and Kristaps Porzingis (20 points on 8-of-13 shooting) took over the game in the first half, especially Porzingis in the first quarter. 

Unless Dallas’ role players – and Irving – step up in Game 2, there’s a good chance Boston leads this series 2-0 before it shifts back to Dallas. 

Here’s a look at the latest odds, key players to watch and my best bet for Game 2 of the NBA Finals: 

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Moneyline

Total

Mavericks Injury Report

Celtics Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving: There are no two ways around it, Kyrie Irving was awful in Game 1 on Thursday night, shooting just 6-for-19 from the field and 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, finishing with 12 points. Dallas’ offense mustered just 89 points – despite 30 from Luka Doncic – and Irving is the clear player that needs to step up in that category for the Mavs to keep up with this vaunted Boston attack. 

Boston Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis: How important was Kristaps Porzingis in Game 1? Well, he’s skyrocketed in the odds to win the NBA Finals MVP award. KP only played 21 minutes in Game 1, but his impact was undeniable. Boston was an impressive +13 in his minutes, and the big man finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 8-for-13 from the field and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. Could his role/minutes expand in Game 2?

In my series prediction, I mentioned two things that came to light in Game 1: 

Both things went in Boston’s favor in Game 1. 

Porzingis was the best player on the floor – especially in the first half – controlling the game on both ends with his size. 

Dallas was unable to get lobs at the rim to Gafford and Lively II – rendering them nearly useless on the offensive end – and Porzingis hunted and dominated the smaller Dallas players in switches on his way to an impressive shooting night. 

On the Dallas side, PJ Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., Maxi Kleber, Irving, and Tim Hardaway Jr. went 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic, whose teammates were shooting 57 percent from the field on his passes this postseason, had just one assist. 

That’s not going to cut it for Dallas, especially when the Celtics shoot 16-for-42 (38.1 percent) from beyond the arc. 

Boston seemed content playing Doncic straight up, and the rest of the Mavericks were unable to give the All-NBA guard much help. 

When it comes to betting on Game 2, I’m focusing on the first half, a place where Boston has thrived this season.

The Celtics let things slip in the third quarter, allowing Dallas to cut the lead to just eight points, but it responded with a quick 8-0 run to push things back up to 16 before a Mavs timeout late in the third. 

I want to avoid any letdown in the third quarter – or just a run where Dallas gets going – and take the C’s to cover the short first-half spread (Boston -3.5). 

This season, Boston is a league-best 63-32-1 against the spread in the first half. Dallas is 49-50 ATS, which isn’t a bad mark, but it’s way behind the C’s.

Boston looked comfortable and focused from the jump on Thursday night, and it has so many different offensive options to punish the Dallas defense.

This may end up being a closer game than Game 1 by the end, but I love trusting the Celtics to start fast like they’ve done all season long. 

Pick: Celtics 1H -3.5 (-110)

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Find Peter Dewey's betting record here You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Derrick Jones Jr., Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, NBA, NBA Finals, PJ Washington
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Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Respond to Jason Kidd Calling Brown Celtics' Best Player
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Respond to Jason Kidd Calling Brown Celtics’ Best Player

Could Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd be engaging in a little gamesmanship ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday?

Kidd minced no words during Saturday afternoon's press conference when he called Celtics star Jaylen Brown, not Jayson Tatum, Boston's best player.

Naturally, NBA fans and media alike were wondering if Kidd was trying to influence how Tatum and Brown come out and play in Game 2.

It's not the first time the Celtics' co-stars have been dealing with media narratives such as this, and they're clearly not interested in taking the bait.

"I don't have no reaction," Brown said. "It's a team game, we're trying to focus on that. Everybody has their own opinions."

When asked if he thought Kidd was trying to drive a wedge between himself and Tatum, Brown complimented his teammate, while reiterating that the team is locked in on the task at hand.

"I'm not sure. I don't know," Brown said of Kidd's perceived tactics. "We've been just extremely focused on what our roles and our jobs are. We've all had to sacrifice. Jayson's had to do that at the highest of levels, right? And I respect him and tip [my] cap for it. But right now, at this point, it's whatever it takes to win and we can't let any outside interpretations get in between that."

Tatum wasn't surprised that another media narrative was surfacing trying to divide the two best players on the team.

"No reaction," Tatum said when asked about the comments. "This is a team sport, right? We understand that. We wouldn't be here if we didn't have JB on our team. And we can say that for a lot of guys, right? We've all played a part in getting to where we're at, we understand that."

"You know, people try to drive a wedge in between us. I guess it's a smart thing to do or try to do. But we've been in this position for many of years of guys trying to divide us and say one of us should be traded or one's better than the other. It's not our first time at the rodeo."

Regardless of whether or not Kidd is trying to gain a psychological edge on Tatum, Brown and the Celtics, it does not appear to be working.

Sunday night will tell the true tale in Game 2. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, NBA Finals
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Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Explains Why Jaylen Brown is Celtics' Best Player
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Explains Why Jaylen Brown is Celtics’ Best Player

There is no shortage of respect from Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd towards Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

Despite Brown being snubbed from both the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams this season, he has keyed the Celtics' playoff run, showing incredible two-way prowess en route to capturing Eastern Conference finals MVP.

Brown continued the momentum into Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, scoring a team-high 22 points, while adding six rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals in Boston's 107-89 win in Game 1.

Kidd was asked about the difficulty of game-planning for Brown, and his message was clear.

"Well, Jaylen's their best player," Kidd said during Saturday's media availability. "Just looking at what he does defensively. He picked up Luka full court. He got to the free throw line. He did everything, and that's what your best player does. Just understanding he plays both sides defensively and offensively at a high rate, and he's been doing that the whole playoffs.

"We talk about the Eastern Conference MVP, and it seems like he's continued to pick up where he left off. So he's playing at a high rate. We just got to be a little more physical with him and again, we gotta keep him off the free throw line and out of the paint, because he was finishing at a high rate or getting fouled and getting to the free throw line."

Brown has been Boston's most consistent player throughout the playoff run thus far, even if he doesn't garner the accolades like his teammate and first-team All-NBA selection Jayson Tatum.

Regardless, the Celtics will need both Brown and Tatum to be at their best in order to capture the franchise's 18th title this month.

Game 2 between the Celtics and Mavericks is set for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday at TD Garden in Boston.

Celtics, Jason Kidd, Jaylen Brown, Mavericks, NBA Finals
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Caitlin Clark Had Such a Perfect Answer When Asked If She Watched Game 1 of NBA Finals
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Caitlin Clark Had Such a Perfect Answer When Asked If She Watched Game 1 of NBA Finals

Caitlin Clark is a supporter of all women's sports, not just the WNBA.

Prior to Clark's game with the Indiana Fever on Friday night, an 85-83 Fever win over the winless Washington Mystics, the rookie was asked if she had tuned into Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks, which had tipped off Thursday night.

Clark's response was perfect.

"To be honest, I had the women’s college softball world series on instead," Clark said. "It was a little bit better of a game, but when I flipped back to the NBA... Yeah I was flipping back and forth."

"There’s a girl that pitches for Texas who’s a freshman that actually lived a couple streets over from me growing up, so I was rooting for the Texas Longhorns, unfortunately, they couldn't get it done. I think that's even just a great display of women's sports and where it's going. I've always been a big fan of women's softball and women's sports across the board, so I was moreso watching that."

Clark did acknowledge that she's watching the finals, though she also admitted that the Indiana Pacers, who lost to the Boston Celtics in the conference finals, not making it affected her interest levels a bit.

But the bigger point here is Clark's unwavering support for women's sports across the board. As arguably the biggest driver of interest in the WNBA at the moment, Clark has the ability to help lift up nearly any other women's sport she supports or has an interest in.

Clark was doing just that by bringing attention to the women's college softball world series.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever, NBA Finals, WNBA
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Biggest Comeback in NBA Finals History: A Full Breakdown
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Biggest Comeback in NBA Finals History: A Full Breakdown

The Dallas Mavericks found themselves in an early hole Thursday night in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals.

Before they could get comfortable at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics opened up a 17-point lead after 12 minutes—the biggest lead for any team in the first quarter of a Game 1 in NBA Finals history. Boston continued to pile on and led by as many as 29 points in the second quarter before Dallas began chipping away.

The Mavericks trimmed the deficit to eight points in the third quarter but weren't able to fully complete the comeback, losing 107–89. If they did, it would've made NBA history.

The largest comeback in a single NBA playoff games is 31 points, set in 2019 when the Los Angeles Clippers erased a 31-point deficit to win Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers outscored Golden State 85–58 in the second half to win that game.

But as far as the NBA Finals goes, the biggest comeback was when the Celtics battled back from 24 points down to beat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the 2008 Finals.

DATE

MATCHUP

DEFICIT

FINAL SCORE

June 12, 2008

Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers led by 24 points

Celtics 97, Lakers 91

The Celtics entered Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals holding a 2–1 series lead. They swept the first two games of the series at TD Banknorth Garden and lost 87–81 in an ugly defensive battle in Game 3 at then-Staples Center.

Los Angeles came out hot in the first quarter of Game 4, shooting 64.7% from the field and taking a 35–14 lead after 12 minutes while the Celtics shot just 27.3% (6 of 22). The Lakers built it up to a 24-point lead in the second quarter when Sasha Vujacic drained a three-pointer off a pass from Kobe Bryant to make it 45–21.

The score remained 45–21 for nearly two minutes of game time, as the teams exchanged misses, until Celtics forward Kevin Garnet knocked down a mid-range jumper. And the Celtics' comeback began.

Boston still trailed the Lakers by 18 points at halftime but came out firing in the third quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 31–15. They tied the game at 73 with 10:13 remaining in the fourth quarter, and took their first lead of the game at 84–83 with 4:07 remaining. From there, they closed out on a 13–8 run to win 97–91 and take a 3–1 series lead.

The Lakers led for 40:30 of game time. They couldn't miss in the first half but shot just 33.3% from the field in the final two quarters, missing all eight attempts from downtown. Bryant and Pau Gasol logged a plus/minus of -24 in the second half.

Garnet tallied a double-double in 37 minutes, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. But it was James Posey providing the spark off the bench, logging 18 points on 5-of-10 shooting and nailing four three-pointers.

Facing a 24-point deficit in the NBA Finals? As Garnett would go on to say after Boston claimed Game 6 and were crowned champions, anything is possible.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Finals
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NBA Finals Odds: Oddsmakers Give Celtics 80 Percent Chance to Win After Game 1
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

NBA Finals Odds: Oddsmakers Give Celtics 80 Percent Chance to Win After Game 1

It took just one game -- one quarter really -- of the 2024 NBA Finals for the Boston Celtics to show why they had the best record in the NBA in the 2023-24 season and led the league in net rating.

Boston jumped out to the biggest first quarter lead in a Game 1 in NBA Finals history, and it didn't let Dallas get closer than eight points the rest of the way in a blowout win.

The C's came into this series as -210 favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, giving them an implied probability of over 60 percent to win the title. That has already changed drastically after Boston's Game 1 win.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Based on the latest odds at DraftKings, Boston has an implied probability of 80 percent to win the NBA Finals this season. While it was only one game, it's clear that Boston's dominance has altered the betting market in a big way.

A historical trend that dates back to the 1996-97 season also favors Boston, as no team that has finished outside the top eight in net rating during the regular season has gone on to win the NBA Finals since then.

Dallas is attempting to break that trend this season.

For bettors that still believe in the Mavericks, there is something to hang your hat on after Game 1.

Jason Kidd was just 1-5 (now 1-6) in Game 1s as the Mavericks' head coach, but he's led his team to a 5-1 series record so far in two playoff runs. Kidd has made the adjustments -- and his team has responded -- after other poor showings in series openers in the playoffs this season.

As a bettor who already has a Celtics future from the preseason in pocket, I'm standing pat ahead of Sunday's Game 2 based on the latest odds movement.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on  BetStamp here.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Luka Doncic, NBA, NBA Finals
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JJ Redick Congratulates Doris Burke After Historic NBA Finals Broadcast
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

JJ Redick Congratulates Doris Burke After Historic NBA Finals Broadcast

Doris Burke made American professional sports history on Thursday night when she called Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Burke became the first woman to serve as a TV analyst for any major men's professional championship event.

Burke, a mainstay on ESPN basketball broadcasts over the years, has teamed up with the No. 1 announcing team for the network this season alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and color analysts Doc Rivers, and later, JJ Redick.

Redick made sure to recognize Burke for her achievement during SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt.

"I do have a final word though, Scott," Redick said before the segment with Van Pelt ended. "I do have one final word. I just want to say how proud I am of my teammate Doris Burke, who made history tonight calling this NBA Finals game. Look, I'm a newbie at this. I called my first tonight. It's meaningless in the grand scheme of things. What she did tonight is historic. I am so proud of her. I love you. It's so great working with you."

"Don't make me cry," Burke replied. "You're the best teammate, so thank you."

The duo has plenty of chemistry with Breen on the air, and they'll have a chance to continue to showcase what they can do throughout the rest of the NBA Finals.

Game 2 is set for Sunday night in Boston. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Doris Burke, JJ Redick, NBA Finals
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Celtics Rout Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals After Explosive First Half
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Celtics Rout Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals After Explosive First Half

The Boston Celtics secured a 1–0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals after taking care of business on their home court against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night in Game 1, 107–89.

The Celtics jumped out to a huge first-half lead, pulling ahead by as many as 29 points during the second quarter before heading into halftime up by 21. Although the Mavericks clawed back to within eight points in the third quarter, Boston was able to re-extend its advantage and shut the door on the series opener.

Kristaps Porzingis was sensational in his return to the lineup, making his first appearance for the Celtics since April 29, when he sustained a calf injury against the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. The 28-year-old scored 20 points off the bench, providing a major offensive boost for the team.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 38 points, coming up with big plays on both ends of the floor as they helped guide their team to a Game 1 win. Tatum recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Brown came away with three steals and three blocks, alongside a team-high 22 points.

As for the Mavs, Luka Doncic's first taste of the NBA Finals was not what he'd been hoping for. The 25-year-old played well, but it wasn't enough to keep Dallas close. He scored a game-high 30 points while adding 10 rebounds and just one assist. Backcourt mate Kyrie Irving struggled in the loss, shooting 6 for 19 in a 12-point outing.

Dallas faltered as a whole from beyond the arc, making just 7 of 27 attempts from three-point range. Boston was vastly better, shooting 16 for 42 from deep, a difference which showed up on the scoreboard. The Mavericks' 89 points were their fewest this postseason.

Dallas will look to bounce back in Game 2, which is set for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET from TD Garden.

2024 NBA Finals, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, NBA Finals
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List of Every NBA Finals Series to Go Seven Games
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

List of Every NBA Finals Series to Go Seven Games

The 2024 NBA Finals tip off on Thursday night, as the Boston Celtics look to add an 11th Larry O'Brien Trophy to their trophy case, while the Dallas Mavericks look to secure the franchise's second-ever NBA title.

For viewing purposes, getting the opportunity to see a seven-game series between the Celtics and Mavericks would be wildly entertaining. It's somewhat uncommon for an NBA Finals series to go the full seven games, however. Throughout history, the NBA Finals has gone the full distance of seven games only 19 times.

Most recently, the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors was decided in seven games, but the past seven championships have been decided quicker than that.

Here's a look at every NBA Finals series that has gone seven games:

YEAR

MATCHUP

1951

Rochester Royals def. New York Knicks

1952

Minneapolis Lakers def. New York Knicks

1954

Minneapolis Lakers def. Syracuse Nationals

1955

Syracuse Nationals def. Fort Wayne Pistons

1957

Boston Celtics def. St. Louis Hawks

1960

Boston Celtics def. St. Louis Hawks

1962

Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers

1966

Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers

1969

Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers

1970

New York Knicks def. Los Angeles Lakers

1974

Boston Celtics def. Milwaukee Bucks

1978

Washington Bullets def. Seattle Supersonics

1984

Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers

1988

Los Angeles Lakers def. Detroit Pistons

1994

Houston Rockets def. New York Knicks

2005

San Antonio Spurs def. Detroit Pistons

2010

Los Angeles Lakers def. Boston Celtics

2013

Miami Heat def. San Antonio Spurs

2016

Cleveland Cavaliers def. Golden State Warriors

Game 7's have been few and far between in recent history. Since 1995, only four NBA Finals series have reached the coveted seventh game.

Of course, those that have gone the distance have resulted in some iconic moments, including the Cavaliers becoming the first team in league history to overcome a 3–1 deficit in the Finals in '16 against the Warriors.

Of the 19 Game 7's in NBA Finals history, only two have gone to overtime, and none since 1962 when the Celtics took down the Lakers.

Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Game 7, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Finals
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