2023/2024 NBA Game 1 Betting Predictions
The NBA finals begin on Friday morning with the highly anticapted matchup between the #1 seed Celtics up against the #5 seed Mavericks. Let's get into this Game 1 matchup.
Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics (Tied 0-0)
The trade-deadline acquisitions by Dallas, securing both versatile forward P.J. Washington and defensive stalwart Daniel Gafford, have proven to be game-changing. Throughout the postseason, both players have consistently delivered impactful performances. Additionally, the decision to incorporate journeyman Derrick Jones Jr. into the starting lineup sparked a significant defensive resurgence for Dallas, leading them to top the NBA in defensive efficiency for over a month towards the end of the season.
This late-season evolution of Dallas' supporting cast has provided vital support for the emergence of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as one of the most formidable backcourts in playoff history. Demonstrating their prowess as playmakers, they've taken turns dominating crucial moments in games throughout the playoffs. In their decisive Game 5 victory over the Timberwolves in Minnesota, they led from start to finish, underscoring their dominance. Doncic's postseason performance has been nearly triple-double worthy, averaging 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, while Irving has contributed 22.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
This series should be an interesting one for Kyrie Irving, the former Celtic. He'll obviously get a rough reception when he plays at the TD Garden and he has only averaged 21 pts in 2 against Boston in his last 2 outings. But he's coming off 36 pts and 33 pts in 2 of his last 3 games against the T-Wolves. So if he can overcome the crowd factor, Irving could be the key factor in the Mavs lifting the trophy.
During the regular NBA season, the Celtics displayed a level of dominance that positioned them as frontrunners, a trend seamlessly continuing into the 2024 playoffs. Fueled by an unparalleled offense, they've systematically outplayed opponents, capitalizing on their superior talent and relentless pace. Notably, their knack for clutch performances has been pivotal, exemplified by a remarkable turnaround in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Pacers. Despite facing a seemingly imminent defeat, the Celtics capitalized on a turnover, tying the game with a memorable 3-pointer from Jaylen Brown before seizing control in overtime.
Even in the face of adversity, with the Pacers missing star player Tyrese Haliburton in crucial games, the Celtics showcased resilience. Despite the Pacers holding double-digit leads in their home games, the Celtics rallied, clinching victory by narrow margins in both instances. This postseason has been transformative for Jayson Tatum, dispelling notions of him being solely a regular-season performer. His impressive averages of 26 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists underscore his evolution into a formidable playoff force.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown is averaging 25 points per game in the postseason and has enjoyed playing against the Mavs. In his last 2 games, he's averaging 29.5 points and 57% field goal percentage. Kristaps Porzingis continues to be sidelined by injury but could return later on in the series, especially if it goes over 4 games. But Al Horford has stepped in his absence, highlighted by his 23 pt performance in Game 3 against the Pacers.
Both sides should be fresh from their victories in the conference finals and I think that should see a high scoring contest in Game 1. The Over also has a good record when the Celtics are at home, the Under is 6-1 in the last 7 games. Meanwhile, Dallas are 5-1 against the Over in their last 6 games and I think Doncic/Irving will be tough to defend.
Stadium Record
Boston are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Dallas are 2-6 in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Celtics are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
