It may not be as culturally significant as Biggie vs. Tupac or as heated as the ’80s Lakers vs. Celtics matchups. In fact, it’s not even a true east coast vs. west coast battle as Dallas is in the middle of the country, 1,214 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. That said, Dallas traversed every level of the Western Conference Game of Death staircase and now represents the WC in the NBA Finals. And they bring plenty of bling in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, an athletic wing in Derrick Jones Jr., a multi-faceted PJ Washington on the upswing and two centers in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II with flea-like springs.
Boston has been the best team all season. They were the only team to win over 60 games, boasted the top offensive rating and second-best defensive rating. They lost only four games at home during the regular season and had only two hiccups during this postseason run. As an organization, the Celtics haven’t won a chip since 2007, but they’ve missed the playoffs only once since then, losing in the ECF six times. They made it to the NBA Finals twice, resulting in being the bridesmaid both times. The Celtics have two stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, a mismatch nightmare in Kristaps Porzingis, a versatile big man in Al Horford and two defensive stalwarts in Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, who can also get buckets.
Dallas loves to pack the paint on defense, but Boston plays 5-out, with shooters everywhere. In the lone regular-season meeting, Boston shot 21-of-43 from downtown en route to the 138-110 win. Luka Doncic went for 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, but Kyrie Irving shot 9-of-23 while no other Mavericks player reached the 20-point threshold. Derrick Jones Jr. did not play much in that contest, and he’s been an integral part of the defense for this postseason run. Jason Kidd has shown the ability to make adjustments and try new things.
It’s time to cue up the Michael Buffer, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” For those in a more chill mood, I’ve set the needle down onto the Marvin Gaye vinyl, “Let’s Get It On.”
DraftKings Sportsbook has BOS -6.5 over DAL at home. The total is 215.5. There are no significant injuries. Keep track of injury updates at DK Live.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $2.25M Fantasy Basketball Millionaire [$1M to 1st] (DAL vs BOS)
Derrick White ($11,100 CP): White usually garners a usage rate in the teens, yet he delivers the fantasy goodies on a consistent basis like the mailman. That’s because he’s become an excellent shooter from downtown and provides a little something something in every category, especially on the defensive end. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown being the primary focus for the Dallas defense, which likes to pack the paint, White should get plenty of good looks. Over the last five games, he played at least 35 minutes in all with two games at 42 minutes. He’s contributed at least 38 DKFP in all with three above 40 DKFP.
Luka Doncic ($13,600): Doncic is going to get his, regardless of the defense against him. He’s seen it all and has the ability to counter them all. He’s a threat to triple-double on any given night and has put up at least 60 DKFP in each of the last seven games. In the regular season matchup, Doncic went for 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. I think the priority for the Boston defense will be to make sure that no one else on Dallas goes off because it’s often fruitless to try and neutralize Doncic.
Kristaps Porzingis ($8,200): I initially had doubts about going with Porzingis because he hasn’t played in a while and blah blah blah. Outside of injury or foul trouble, I don’t see why Porzingis wouldn’t play as much as he can. It’s the NBA Finals! He is such a matchup nightmare, especially for Dallas because he could force the big men to guard him beyond the three-point line. Dallas countered by playing Luka on him or some of the other wings, but then Boston can just put Porzingis in the mid-post, with him shooting right over them. There is a risk, but the price, projected ownership and potential upside make it worth it.
Jrue Holiday ($6,800): I like the periphery players for the Celtics tonight. Tatum and Brown are going to get theirs, but I think Washington and Jones Jr. could provide some resistance. In addition, Dallas likes to pack the paint, so when the Js do drive, that should provide clean looks for Holiday. But it’s not just about the scoring for Holiday, as he grabs rebounds, dishes out dimes and provides defensive stats. He put up at least 30 DKFP in each of the last four games with a high of 54.75 DKFP, so there is an upside.
Jaylen Brown ($9,400): It’s always difficult fading a player who will likely garner a usage rate in the 30% range and play 40 minutes. In addition, it’s well within the range of outcomes that he goes for 30 or 40 points. But, but, but…there’s also a chance that he scores 20 points or fewer, especially since Washington or Jones Jr. have the length and athleticism to make things a little more challenging. Brown has racked up a ton of steals lately (3, 1, 1, 3, 1), but steals are so fickle and Dallas was sixth-best in turnovers per game during the regular season.
I don’t expect a blowout like the regular season matchup. Much has changed, particularly on the Dallas side. That said, the Celtics pose such a difficult challenge for the Mavericks because everyone on the floor can make it rain from downtown and Dallas likes to pack the paint. A low-scoring affair, but Boston will pull ahead late.
Final Score: Celtics 107, Mavericks 102
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $2.25M Fantasy Basketball Millionaire [$1M to 1st] (DAL vs BOS)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mbarner51) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
