The Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics square off in the 2024 NBA Finals, and you’ve found the right place for all your expert picks and predictions. These two teams are desperate to etch their names in the history books, and Game 2 will be a pivotal contest in determining the outcome of the rest of the series. Sportzino is the best place to make your free NBA basketball predictions. Whether you are predicting the spread, total, or outright series winner, Sportzino offers the best odds for the 2024 NBA Finals.
Mavericks vs Celtics Game 2 Prediction
In Game 1, the Boston Celtics jumped to a 29-point second-quarter lead and never looked back. The Mavericks were able to claw their way back to an 8-point deficit in the second half, but the massive first-half hole they dug was too much to overcome. Kristaps Porzingis exploded for 17 first-half points, hitting several threes with tight defensive coverage.
If Dallas hopes to level up this series at 1-1, they will need Kyrie Irving to deliver in a big way. The former Boston Celtic was unable to heat up in Game 1, scoring just 12 points while shooting 6/19 from the floor. Luka Doncic is still the primary option, but against a team as deep as Boston, the Mavericks will also need scoring from the rest of their team. The Mavericks will need to shoot the ball better and hope Boston is unable to replicate their hot start from behind the arc they had in Game 1. It’s unlikely the Celtics will explode for a 37-point first quarter once again, and the Mavericks did a great job at shutting them down defensively in the second half. In Game 2, Dallas will be able to keep it close and possibly pull off an outright upset as well.
Mavericks vs Celtics Live Odds
To Win the Series
| Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks |
| -417 | +310 |
Game 2 Odds
| Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks | |
| Spread | -7 (-115) | +7 (-115) |
| Moneyline | -280 | +210 |
2024 NBA Finals Game 2 Expert Picks
The spread is set at a whopping 7 points, and predicting the Dallas Mavericks to cover the spread is the best 2024 NBA Finals Game 2 prediction you can make. The Dallas Mavericks spread prediction will be correct as long as the Mavericks win by any number or lose by seven or fewer points in Game 2. Dallas played well in the second half of Game 1, and they can certainly win Game 2 if they avoid digging themselves into a massive first-half deficit.
Dallas has gone through the Western Conference gauntlet to reach the 2024 NBA Finals, while the Celtics had a clear path thanks to opposing injuries. Dallas is the more polished team; they know how to rebound from big losses. Dallas is a perfect 5-0 in the NBA playoffs following a defeat. The adjustments they have been able to make, especially on the defensive end, have prevented them from losing multiple contests in a row. The Celtics are clearly the toughest opponent Dallas has faced, but the Mavericks adjustments will allow them to keep Game 2 much tighter than Game 1. The Dallas Mavericks will cover the 7-point spread and have the potential to pick up the victory as +210 underdogs.
Sportzino Analytics 2024 NBA Finals Game 2
The analytics available in Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals can be used to make an accurate score prediction. One of the key analytics available is regression back to the mean. Teams can get hot or cold from behind the arc, but that doesn’t reflect future shooting percentages going forward. It is very unlikely that the Dallas Mavericks players got worse at shooting three-pointers in Game 1, and the analytics imply that they will shoot closer to their season averages in Game 2.
Mavs vs Celtics Game 2 Info:
The Mavericks and Celtics are set to square off for Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden in Boston on Sunday, June 9th. The matchup is scheduled to tip off at 9 PM EST in front of what will be a sold-out Boston crowd.
Mavs vs Celtics Latest Injuries
The Boston Celtics have a clean injury report after Kristaps Porzingis returned from injury in Game 1. Porzingis made an instant impact during his first appearance back with the squad, and the Celtics are now fully healthy.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is on the injury report once again. Doncic is questionable with a sprained right knee and left ankle soreness. Luka Doncic is not 100% healthy, but the Slovenian superstar will play through the pain and likely suit up for Game 2 in Boston.
