The 2024 NBA Finals are set, featuring a surprising and intriguing matchup that few could have predicted at the start of the season.
The Dallas Mavericks defied the odds, overcoming a tough series against the top-seeded Thunder and third-seeded Timberwolves to reach the championship round for the first time since 2011.
Their opponents, the Boston Celtics, have dominated the postseason, relatively easily defeating the Heat, Cavaliers, and Pacers.
The Celtics enter Game 1 as 6-point favorites and are -220 favorites to win the series, aiming to add an 18th banner to the rafters of TD Garden.
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NBA Finals Series Odds
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been the season's frontrunners for the NBA Championship, but their odds turned negative before the second round began.
Despite criticism from major media outlets for what is considered one of the easiest paths to the NBA Finals in decades, Boston's regular-season performance earned them the league's top seed.
They capitalized on this by defeating a Miami Heat team without Jimmy Butler, securing a 4-1 series win.
In the second round, they faced a Cleveland team missing Jarrett Allen for the entire series and Donovan Mitchell for two games, resulting in another 4-1 victory.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics swept the Pacers, who were without Tyrese Haliburton for several games.
Boston is not responsible for ensuring their opponents' health, and they cannot be faulted for taking care of business.
The Celtics were the league's best team in the regular season and maintained their form in the playoffs.
nothing less than our best š¤ pic.twitter.com/u53Tsbz33f
ā Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 4, 2024
They were consistent and made clutch plays when needed. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown might not be breaking scoring records, but their contributions were crucial in securing a spot in the Finals.
Boston's depth is one of its greatest strengths. The team has no significant weaknesses in its starting lineup or bench.
Players like Derrick White have stepped up, and White's reliable three-point shooting has been a key factor. This balanced scoring ensures that the Celtics' offense remains potent even if Brown or Tatum has an off night.
While their offense has been strong, their defense has propelled them to the NBA Finals.
Jrue Holiday has significantly impacted his first season with the Celtics, bringing his elite on-ball defense from Milwaukee.
He consistently shuts down opposing star point guards, contributing significantly to Boston's success.
The Celtics have excelled on both ends of the court, living up to their status as NBA title favorites all season long.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011, giving Luka Doncic a prime opportunity to turn his regular-season success into postseason glory.
Dallas navigated a challenging path to the Finals, where all eight Western Conference playoff teams had realistic title aspirations.
The Mavericks dispatched the LA Clippers in the opening round, limiting them to just 100.3 points per game over six games. In the second round, they toppled the top-seeded OKC Thunder in six games, thanks to Doncic's three consecutive triple-doubles.
The Western Conference Finals brought the Minnesota Timberwolves, whom Dallas defeated in five games after taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
While Doncic and Kyrie Irving draw much attention, the Mavericks' defense has made them true contenders.
Despite ranking in the bottom half for defense during the regular season, Dallas has tightened up significantly in the playoffs.
Let's run it back āŖ#OneForDallas // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/7Hesdc6j4G
ā Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 4, 2024
Players like Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford have excelled at protecting the paint, and the perimeter defenders have effectively limited open three-point shots.
The team's balance and ability to switch and defend all positions have been game-changers, with versatile players like Doncic, PJ Washington, and Derrick Jones capable of guarding all five positions without needing frequent help.
The offense will be crucial for Dallas to win the Finals, especially with Doncic having been hobbled recently. The break before the Finals should help him return to peak form.
Doncic is the cornerstone of the Mavericks' offense, serving as the primary scorer, facilitator, and overall engine. This playoff run is different for him, as he now has a dependable co-star in Kyrie Irving.
A former Celtic, Irving aims to thwart his old team's championship hopes. He has put his off-court issues behind him and thrived in Dallas, with his exceptional finishing ability making him nearly unguardable.
Dallas has the tools to win the NBA Championship. Having emerged victorious from a fiercely competitive Western Conference, they are confident in overcoming Boston in the NBA Finals.
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NBA Finals MVP Odds
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | -115 | -115 | -115 |
| Luka Doncic | +200 | +210 | +200 |
| Jaylen Brown | +650 | +600 | +600 |
| Kyrie Irving | +1400 | +1400 | +1200 |
| Derrick White | +3300 | +3500 | +3000 |
| Kristaps Porzingis | +3500 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Jrue Holiday | +5000 | +5000 | +5000 |
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics have had a relatively smooth path through the playoffs. They boast an NBA-high net rating of 12.8, which propelled them into the Eastern Conference Finals after a sweep of the Indiana Pacers.
As the Celtics are the betting favorites to win the championship, itās no surprise that Tatum is the frontrunner for Finals MVP.
Although he had a quieter first round, averaging 21.8 points on 41.6% shooting, he increased his production against Cleveland, even if his efficiency didn't rise. The oddsmakers are banking on Tatum to deliver in clutch moments.
ready to make the most of this opportunity āļø pic.twitter.com/aZDtqdMLql
ā Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 4, 2024
However, Jaylen Brown took home MVP honors in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers.
This doesnāt mean Tatum was absent; he capped the series with an impressive Game 4, posting 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Tatum has shown that he can step up and perform when the stakes are highest.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is poised to win the NBA Finals MVP against the Boston Celtics thanks to his extraordinary performance throughout the Mavericks' playoff run.
Doncic has been the driving force behind Dallas, averaging 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
His ability to shine in crucial moments, exemplified by his 32-point, 10-rebound, and 13-assist performance in the Western Conference Finals clincher, highlights his clutch capabilities.
ā Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 31, 2024
Doncic's versatility and basketball IQ make him a nightmare for defenses. He leads the playoffs in total points, assists, and steals, showcasing his all-around impact.
His synergy with Kyrie Irving has created one of the most formidable backcourts in the league, further elevating his game.
With the Mavericks' underdog story and Doncic's consistent excellence, he is the clear favorite to secure the Finals MVP award, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greats.
Jaylen Brown
Thanks to his stellar postseason performance and clutch play, Jaylen Brown is poised to win the NBA Finals MVP against the Dallas Mavericks.
Brown has been a powerhouse for the Boston Celtics, averaging 25.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the 2024 playoffs.
His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, such as his game-tying three-pointer and crucial defensive stops in the Eastern Conference Finals, is a testament to his significance within the team.
Brown's offensive efficiency, shooting 54.1% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc, makes him a consistent scoring threat.
His defensive skills, highlighted by key blocks and steals, will be essential in containing Dallas' dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
With Jayson Tatum likely to draw significant defensive attention, Brown's ability to step up and lead will be critical.
His recent Eastern Conference Finals MVP award solidifies his status as a top contender for the Finals MVP.
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