Celtics Seek Third Straight Win Against Mavericks In Dallas Showdown

The Boston Celtics are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night in what promises to be a high-octane East-West NBA showdown at the American Airlines Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and with both teams heading in opposite directions, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the Celtics chase a third consecutive victory while the Mavericks desperately seek to snap a four-game losing skid. Fans can catch all the action on NBC Sports Boston locally, NBC nationally, or stream the game live on Peacock. For those tuning in via radio, 98.5 The Sports Hub will have the call.

Boston comes into the matchup with a 31-18 record, tied with the New York Knicks for the coveted No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are fresh off a dominant 107-79 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, building on another victory over the Kings. Dallas, meanwhile, sits at 19-30 and is currently languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Mavericks most recently fell 111-107 to the Houston Rockets, extending their losing streak to four games and their home woes to three consecutive defeats.

The contest is generating buzz for more than just playoff implications. This marks the Celtics’ first-ever meeting against Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, a Maine native and a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. Flagg, who grew up cheering for Boston, has been a revelation in Dallas, averaging 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, along with 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks. His rapid ascent has made him a focal point for both the Mavericks’ offense and the Celtics’ defensive game plan.

Boston’s path to victory has been defined by a blend of offensive firepower and defensive grit. The Celtics rank second in the NBA in offensive rating and three-pointers per game, while also committing the fewest turnovers per night—a recipe for success in hostile environments. Star wing Jaylen Brown leads the charge, averaging an impressive 29.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest. Supporting him are Derrick White (17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists) and Payton Pritchard (16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists), both of whom have been consistent contributors on both ends of the floor.

On the defensive side, Boston allows just 109.1 points per game, the second-best mark in the league. Their ability to lock down opponents has been especially evident in recent outings, including their rout of the Bucks. Neemias Queta has provided interior muscle, averaging 10.1 points and 8.1 rebounds on a sizzling 63.5% from the field—good for fifth in the league.

The Celtics’ recent form has been strong: they’ve gone 7-3 in their last 10 games, with a 6-4 record against the spread. Boston’s games have hit the over 27 times in 49 contests this season, and they’ve been particularly effective when scoring more than 116.6 points, boasting a 22-0 record in such scenarios. Their shooting efficiency is another advantage, with a 46.9% field-goal percentage, slightly higher than what Mavericks’ opponents typically allow.

Dallas, on the other hand, is looking for answers. The Mavericks have struggled to find consistency, particularly with key absences. Anthony Davis (finger injury) and PJ Washington (concussion) are both sidelined, putting added pressure on the supporting cast. The team recently saw Anfernee Simons traded from Boston to Chicago, further shaking up the roster. Still, the Mavericks have shown flashes: they’re 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games, and at home, they’ve covered in 15 of 28 games. Dallas averages 114.1 points per game—good for 21st in the league—but gives up 116.6, a stat that’s proven costly in close contests.

Alongside Flagg, Naji Marshall (14.6 points, 5 rebounds, 2.9 assists), Max Christie (13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists), and veteran Klay Thompson (11.8 points, 2.5 rebounds) are all tasked with stepping up, especially with the Mavericks’ injury woes. The team’s shooting is a bright spot: Dallas is connecting on 47.2% of its field-goal attempts, a mark that ranks them among the league’s top ten. However, defensive lapses and inconsistent rebounding have hampered their ability to close out games.

Historically, the Celtics and Mavericks split their two meetings last season, and both teams are 1-1 against the spread in those contests. This year’s first clash is expected to be a shootout, with oddsmakers setting the over/under at 223.5 points and Boston favored by 7 points. Betting models and expert predictions lean toward a high-scoring affair—SportsLine’s projection model, which simulated the game 10,000 times, gives the over a 64.1% chance of hitting and projects a final score in the neighborhood of Celtics 117, Mavericks 111.

The Celtics have thrived as favorites, winning 24 of 35 games in that role this season, while Dallas has won just 11 of 32 as underdogs. Boston is also more successful on the road against the spread (15-9-1) compared to home games (12-12-0), and their ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks has been a key differentiator. For Dallas, the challenge will be containing Boston’s perimeter shooting and finding ways to exploit mismatches, especially with Flagg’s versatility and the home crowd behind them.

As for player props, Jaylen Brown’s over/under is set at 29.5 points, while Cooper Flagg’s is at 20.5—reflecting both players’ central roles in their respective offenses. With both teams averaging a combined 230.2 points per game—well above the posted total—fans should expect an up-tempo contest with plenty of scoring runs and momentum swings.

Ultimately, this matchup offers more than just a mid-season battle; it’s a litmus test for two franchises at crossroads. Boston is eyeing a deep playoff run, determined to keep pace with the Knicks and Pistons atop the East. Dallas, meanwhile, is hoping that a breakthrough performance—perhaps fueled by their rookie star—can jumpstart a turnaround and restore some confidence. With playoff positioning, rookie storylines, and the pressure of ending streaks all in play, Tuesday night’s tilt in Dallas is shaping up to be must-see TV for NBA fans everywhere.

As the teams prepare to tip off, all eyes will be on whether the Celtics can extend their winning streak or if the Mavericks, behind Cooper Flagg and a hungry supporting cast, can finally get back in the win column. The action is about to begin, and with so much on the line, every possession will count.