The Boston Celtics have reached the NBA finals after sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now they are set to face the Dallas Mavericks, whose team eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals in five games.
Boston Celtics Team News
This marks the Celtics’ second NBA Final appearance in the last three years. A significant part of this success can be attributed to their star duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, acquired through a controversial 2013 trade. Brown has already secured the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy, while Tatum’s contributions have also been highly praised.
However, numerous analysts believe that the Celtics’ path to the Finals has been somewhat easier compared to the Mavericks. This perspective arises from the fact that key Pacers players Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton missed critical games, thereby giving the Celtics a more favorable position in their playoff run.
Dallas Mavericks Team News
The Mavericks have returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2011 championship run. This achievement has been primarily driven by the exceptional performances of Luka Doncic, who has been outstanding throughout the series and earned the Western Conference Finals MVP title. Kyrie Irving also played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ success.
This upcoming Finals match-up between the Celtics and the Mavericks is particularly intriguing for Kyrie Irving, who will face his former team. Irving spent two seasons with the Celtics.
Probable Lineups
Mavericks Starter:
Point guard: Jrue Holiday
Shooting Guard: Derrick White
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Small Forward: Jaylen Brown
Power Forward: Jayson Tatum
Center: Kristaps Porzingis
| Point Guard | Payton Pritchard | Derrick White | Jaden Springer | JD Davison |
| Small Guard | Jaylen Brown | Sam Hauser | Jader Springer | Jrue Holiday |
| Small Forward | Sam Hauser | Jayson Tatum | Jaden Springer | Svi Mykhailiuk |
| Point Forward | AI Horford | Oshae Brissett | Kristaps Porzingis | Sam Hauser |
| Center | AI Horford | Luke Kornet | Xavier Tillman | Neemias Queta |
Celtics Starter:
Point guard: Luka Doncic
Shooting Guard: Kyrie Irving
Small Forward: Derrick Jones Jr.
Power Forward: P.J. Washington
Center: Daniel Grafford
| Point Guard | Dante Exum | Kyrie Irving | Jaden Hardy | Brandon Williams |
| Shooting Guard | Jaden Hardy | Tim Hardaway Jr. | Dante Exum | Josh Green |
| Small Forward | Josh Green | Tim Hardaway Jr. | Dante Exum | Olivier-Maxence Prosper |
| Point Forward | Maxi Kleber | Derrick Jones Jr. | Josh Green | Olivier-Maxence Prosper |
| Center | Dereck Lively III | P.J. Washington | Maxi Kleber | Dwight Powell |
Prediction for NBA Finals Game 1
The Celtics enjoy home-court advantage this time, a benefit they lacked in their previous Finals appearances in 2010 and 2022. With the anticipated return of Porzingis, Boston stands a strong chance against Dallas. Additionally, the Celtics have shown significant improvement in clutch situations, which boosts optimism about their prospects in the series.
However, the primary concern for the Celtics revolves around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. These two are considered among their generation’s best offensive players, averaging 59.4 points per game in the Western Conference Finals. The presence of Daniel Gafford and rookie center Dereck Lively III could also pose challenges to the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
Nonetheless, the Mavericks will face a formidable defensive challenge from Boston’s Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. This duo will be Dallas’s toughest defensive test yet in the Finals.
Celtics vs. Mavs Head-to-Head Stats
The Boston Celtics have won four of their last five games against the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics’ last win came on February 3, 2024, when they defeated the Mavericks with a score of 138-110.
In their last five matches, the Mavs won against the Celtics on March 14, 2022. They edged out a close 95-92 victory over the Celtics in that match.
The NBA finals between the Mavericks and Celtics will be held on June 6.
Also Read: Western Conference Finals: Luka Doncic Secures First Magic Johnson MVP Award as Mavs Advance to NBA Finals.
