Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 25, 2025

The Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks matchup is one of 14 games scheduled for Saturday. Boston has played like defending champions so far and is second in the East with a 31-14 record. Dallas, meanwhile, is seventh in the West with a 24-21 record.

The two teams have played each other 86 times, with Boston holding a 46-40 lead. This will be the first of two games between them this season.

Their last regular-season meeting was on March 1, when the Celtics won 138-110 behind Jayson Tatum’s 32 points and eight rebounds. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks game details and odds

The Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 25, at American Airlines Center. It will be broadcast nationally on ABC. Fans can also stream it live on ESPN+, NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Celtics (-320) vs. Mavericks (+260)

Spread: Celtics (-8) vs. Mavericks (+8)

Total (O/U): Celtics -110 (o222) vs. Mavericks -110 (u222)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks preview

This is one of the highlights of the final day of 2025 NBA Rivals Week. The Celtics and Mavs are the finalists from last year’s NBA finals where the former won 4-1. While this is expected to be a good game, it will lose some of its shine as Dallas’ Luka Doncic continues to be out with a left calf strain that he sustained on Christmas Day.

The Celtics don’t have many injury issues but they are coming off of a 117-96 beatdown against the LA Lakers. The Lakers contained Boston’s starting backcourt to just six points. Kristaps Porzingis led the team with 22 points, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown contributed 16 and 17 points, respectively.

The Mavs are coming off a 121-115 upset win against the OKC Thunder on Thursday. Spencer Donwiddie stood out with 28 points, while Kyrie Irving had 24. P.J. Washington was a key contributor as well with 22 points and 19 rebounds.

While Dallas’ win was surprising, it will be interesting to see if it can keep up the form against Boston.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks betting props

Jayson Tatum’s points total is set at 25.5. He hasn’t crossed that mark in four straight games. However, his season average is 27.2 points. Bet on Tatum to have a great game and score over 25.5 points.

Kyrie Irving’s points total is set at 25.5. While the dynamic guard is more than capable of getting that many points, it won’t be easy against the defense of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Bet on the under.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks prediction

The oddsmakers favor the Celtics to get a big win despite being on the road. Boston has clearly been the better team and should be raring to go after a blowout loss to the Lakers. The defending champions should cover the spread for a win where the team total stays just under 222 points.