The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks get set for a pivotal Game 3 in the 2024 NBA Finals. The Celtics hold a 2-0 series lead, and there is no better place to get all your expert picks and predictions for Game 3. The Mavericks will hope that home court advantage can swing momentum back in their direction, while the Celtics are looking to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Sportzino offers odds to make your free 2024 NBA Finals predictions. Whether you are looking to make a spread prediction or score prediction, Sportzino is the best place to make your 2024 NBA Finals predictions.
Mavericks vs Celtics Game 3 Prediction
The Boston Celtics followed up their dominant Game 1 performance with a second straight victory in Game 2. Dallas took an early lead, but the Celtics balanced offense overcame the deficit and secured a 105-98 victory. Defensive superstar Jrue Holiday made a massive impact on the offensive end, scoring 26 points while chipping in with 11 rebounds. Holiday was brought onto the team for his effort and effectiveness on the defensive end, but he is still more than capable of knocking down open shots on offense. Luka Doncic posted a 32 point triple double, but the lack of offensive support from the rest of the lineup meant that effort failed to produce a victory.
In Game 3, Dallas will need their role players to step up if they hope to keep the series competitive. Players like PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. were ineffective in Boston and will see an uptick in their scoring as the series shifts to Dallas’s home court. Luka Doncic has been able to play through injuries, but his Herculean effort hasn’t been enough with his teammates underperforming. NBA role players frequently shoot better at home, so Doncic will be getting the help he needs over the next two matchups. In Game 3, Dallas will be able to not only win outright but also cover the 1.5 point spread as well.
Mavericks vs Celtics Live Odds
To Win the Series
| Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks |
| -1000 | +600 |
2024 NBA Finals Game 3 Odds
| Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks | |
| Spread | +1.5 (-115) | -1.5 (-115) |
| Moneyline | -105 | -120 |
2024 NBA Finals Game 3 Expert Picks
The spread is set at a very low 1.5 points in favor of the Dallas Mavericks, and the best expert prediction to make for Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals is for the Dallas Mavericks to win outright and cover the spread. The Mavericks have been ice cold from the three-point line all series long. However, they will almost certainly shoot better in Game 3 than the previous contests, making them a great prediction in this matchup.
The Boston Celtics are a formidable opponent, but they haven’t been truly tested so far in the postseason. They had a very easy path to the NBA Finals as their opponents were all heavily injured, and in what will be a tight game, they may feel the bright lights and choke under pressure. The Mavericks have been in countless close games during the playoffs, and as long as they keep it close in the first half, they will cover this spread. Luka Doncic continues to prove he is the most impactful player in the league and will have another big game in Game 3. Even though he is playing through injury, Doncic is the best player on the court, and that is usually good enough to score a victory. The Dallas Mavericks will win the game as -120 favorites and cover the short spread with any victory of two or more points.
Sportzino Analytics 2024 NBA Finals Game 3
Analytics can be a very effective tool when making 2024 NBA Finals predictions. One extreme outlier from the first two games has been three-point shooting. Dallas has struggled to find consistency from behind the arc, while Boston has been incredibly reliable. Not only will the Mavericks regress back to the mean, but the venue change for the next two games will see them shoot even better. NBA basketball role players are far more consistent at home, and Dallas will see an uptick in three-point shooting, while the Celtics will see their shooting splits slightly fall.
Mavs vs Celtics Game 3 Info:
The Mavericks and Celtics will face off in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday, June 12th. The game will tip off at 8:30 PM EST, and it is absolutely a must-win game for the Mavericks.
Mavs vs Celtics Latest Injuries
The Dallas Mavericks were dealt massive injury news, as Luka Doncic was questionable to play in Game 2. He was able to play through his growing list of injuries and it is questionable if he will be able to play again in Game 3. The Mavericks know they stand no chance without Doncic, so as long as he can walk, he will be on the court for Game 3.
The Celtics have a clean injury report, as Kristaps Porzingis showed no signs of an injury in Game 2. After missing several weeks, the Celtics took their time to bring Porzingis back, and he has been able to stay healthy since.
