Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction and Preview - June 12 | Game 3, 2024 NBA Finals

Game 3 of the Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday. The Celtics lead the series 2-0 and will look to add to their dominance from the past two games. They won Game 3 105-98 on Sunday.

On that note, let’s take a look at the Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks Game 3 preview, including the prediction, starting lineups and betting tips for June 12.

Boston holds a 46-40 all-time advantage in the regular season and a 2-0 lead in the playoffs. The Celtics won Game 2 behind Jrue Holiday’s 26 points and 11 rebounds. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 32 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks preview, prediction, starting lineups, odds and betting tips

Game 3 of the Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, at American Airlines Center. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. EDT and will be televised nationally on ESPN. Fans can stream the game live on fuboTV and NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Celtics (+115) vs. Mavericks (-135)

Spread: Celtics (+2.5) vs. Mavericks (-2.5)

Total (O/U): Celtics -110 (o212.5) vs. Mavericks -110 (u212.5)

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

Boston did what it was supposed to do in the first two games of the series: protect home-court advantage. The best thing for the Celtics is that their whole team is firing on all cylinders. If it was Jaylen Brown who led the charge in Game 1, Holiday was at the forefront in Game 2. Jayson Tatum is averaging 17.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists to support Boston’s nightly stars.

Time seems to be running out for the Mavericks. If they don’t win Game 3 on Wednesday, it could be curtains on their championship aspirations. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit and that could be too much even for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic has been doing his thing without much support. If the other Mavericks can step up, Dallas might still have a shot to win it all.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks starting lineups, subs and rotations

Kristaps Porzingis injured his lower leg yet again and is questionable for Game 3. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla should start:

PG: Jrue Holiday SG: Derrick White SF: Jaylen Brown PF: Jayson Tatum C: Al Horford

Boston’s key substitutes should be Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser.

Luka Doncic (chest) is probable and he should play. Dallas coach Jason Kidd should start:

PG: Luka Doncic SG: Kyrie Irving SF: Derrick Jones Jr. PF: P.J. Washington C: Daniel Gafford

Dallas’ key substitutes should be Dereck Lively II, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green.

Editor’s note: These are predicted starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks betting tips

Jayson Tatum has an over/under of 27.5 points. Tatum isn’t expected to cross that mark after a few lackluster shooting nights in the opening games of the series.

Kyrie Irving has an over/under of 23.5 points. The former champion looked like a shell of himself in Boston. Irving needs a bounceback game Wednesday and he is likely to get one.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks prediction

The Mavericks are slightly favored to win at home. With Porzingis likely out for this game, the advantage could shift toward Dallas. Luka Doncic and Co. should take advantage of their home fans cheering for them and get a win while covering the spread. It could be another low-scoring affair with the team total being under 212.5 points.