After a one-week break, the NBA Finals have arrived, and it’s time for Game 1 in Boston. Let’s dive into our NBA expert picks and predictions for today’s NBA Finals Mavericks-Celtics Game 1. Check out our expert picks page for more bets — or use our NBA +EV betting guide to find sharp plays on your own!
NBA Mavericks-Celtics Expert Picks & Predictions: NBA Finals Game 1
NBA Mavericks-Celtics Expert Picks & Predictions for NBA Finals Game 1
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Mavericks-Celtics Odds
Odds via DraftKings
DAL ML: +160 | MIN ML: -192
2DAL +4.5: -108 | MIN -4.5: -112
Over 209.5: -112 | Under 209.5: -108
Mavericks-Celtics Picks & Predictions
@jazzrazdfs – 1H Spread – BOS -3.5: I already have some exposure to Boston winning this game, but I also like taking a position on the first half. This bet really just comes down to the same advantages Boston has relied upon all year with their balance and efficiency on both sides of the ball.
They have multiple options to throw at Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and as the series develops, we will see what adjustments get made. However, this is all about the start of the series and game, which I think the home crowd and balanced Boston roster will give the Celtics an advantage.
We know the Celtics have had some lackluster performances in their own building, but that’s more about melting big leads than it is about not starting fast. At -3.5 for -112, I’ll take a shot that they start fast and build a comfortable lead by halftime
NBA Finals Game 1 Expert Pick & Prediction: Boston Celtics 1H -3.5 -112 at DraftKings
@is_sirois – Player Prop – P.J. Washington O/U 12.5 PTS: It wasn’t long ago that P.J. Washington ripped off three-straight games with 20-plus points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then cooled off down the stretch of that series and remained cool during the Western Conference Finals. We’re backing him to stay cool tonight.
It wasn’t long ago that P.J. Washington ripped off three-straight games with 20-plus points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then cooled off down the stretch of that series and remained cool during the Western Conference Finals. We’re backing him to stay cool tonight.
Unfortunately for him, the Boston Celtics don’t give up much from the corner. Boston has allowed 1.5 corner 3’s per game on 25% shooting this postseason. The Celtics have also limited opposing teams to just 14 made shots in the restricted area per game.
If the Celtics can limit Washington’s production from the corner and at the rim, he doesn’t have much left in his bag. Washington has converted just 29.5% of his shots from above the break and 39.4 of his shots from the non-restricted paint. Let’s fade Washington by backing him to stay under 12.5 points at DraftKings.
NBA Finals Game 1 Expert Pick & Prediction: P.J. Washington Under 12.5 Points -130 at DraftKings
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