Celtics vs Mavericks Predictions & Odds (Jan. 5)

The Mavericks are riding a seven-game winning streak and are currently fourth in the West standings. However, they are not getting preferential treatment on Thursday in NBA odds. Boston is the favorite despite their mini two-week slide.

Boston Celtics are 2-point road favorites in Dallas. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET. The game is the first game of TNT’s nationwide doubleheader.

Celtics lost 150-117 at Oklahoma City last time out. They are still the top contender in the NBA Championship odds. Dallas is the team with the best record. Luka Doncic is a top-three NBA MVP contender. Dallas has won seven games in a row. The team has a winning record against teams with a better than .500 record (New York). The Mavericks have a league-high 118.6 points per game. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are averaging north of 27 points and 7 rebounds per night. Texas has an above-average record, but just one of their seven wins came against a team above .50.

Dallas has been playing poorly recently, but they haven't been facing offensive juggernauts. Boston is used to high scoring games. Celtics games are 19-17-2 to the over this season.

Dallas Mavericks are 22-16 to the over. Four of Dallas' last five games have gone over, and this one should feature plenty of offense as well. The Mavs are scoring at a season-best rate. If Williams is out for the Celtics, Dallas will have a field day in the paint.