Opening Line: Boston -4
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Tonight’s marquee matchup in the NBA takes us to Dallas as the Mavericks host the World Champion Boston Celtics. The Mavs are still chasing Southwest Division leader San Antonio. They will begin the night 4 games back of the Spurs and 1 game behind Portland for that all important 4th seed. They will also be playing their second game without guard Jason Terry. Terry broke his hand in Saturday night’s 115-114 overtime victory over Chicago. He’s averaging 19.9 point a game and 3.7 assists.
Boston is coming straight from New Orleans after defeating the Hornets last night 89-77. The Celtics had lost 2 of 3 games making fans wonder if they were going to go into another slump which saw them lose 5 of 7 games after Christmas. Ray Allen injured his thumb last night and is questionable for tonight.
Boston blew out Dallas at home a few weeks ago 124-100, making it their 3rd straight victory over the Mavericks. The C’s shot 54% in that rout. Dallas had won the previous 7 meetings dating back to 2004. The Celtics have covered in 6 of the last 7 meetings.
This is both teams last game before the All-Star Break. Look for them to end the first half on a high note. Boston has been excellent on the road this year, posting an NBA 2nd best 19-7 record, and cashing 7 of their last 8 road games. The Mavs are 17-7 at home this year, but only 8-16 ATS. I like the Celtics to win and cover the 4 points in this game.
Here are some other trends to consider in this game:
Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Celtics are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Southwest.
Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Celtics are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 Thursday games.
Celtics are 60-24 ATS in their last 84 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Celtics are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Celtics are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day.
Celtics are 17-8 ATS in their last 25 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Celtics are 25-12 ATS in their last 37 vs. Western Conference.
Mavericks are 6-20-1 ATS in their last 27 Thursday games.
Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
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