Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics 2011 NBA Preview, Odds, and Predictions: Forward Dirk Nowitzki will lead the Dallas Mavericks on the road to the TD Garden to take on forward Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics on Friday night at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN. The Mavericks have won 6 in a row and enter the game 33-15 2nd in the Southwest while the Celtics have won 2 straight and 8 of their last 10 on their way to a 37-11 mark 1st in the Atlantic. Nowitzki recently became the 24th NBA player to score 22,000 points but is talking about how his team’s defense is putting them in the win column. “I think our defense has been going back to where we were in November-December,” said Nowitzki, who finished with 29 points against the Knicks. “I think if you look at our effort defensively in the second half, that’s what won us the game.”
“There’s a guy who’s worked more on developing his game (than anybody) in the history of the league,” coach Rick Carlisle told the NBA’s official website regarding Dirk. “There’s a reason the ball goes in the basket. He’s put in the work.” The Celts coach was also talking up his team’s defense in the 2nd half of their recent victory. “Usually I have to say something at halftime. I kind of stood outside the locker room,” coach Doc Rivers said. “(The starters) were upset. They weren’t upset that they didn’t play well, they were upset at the way they played. We don’t play that way. That’s not Celtic basketball. That’s the great thing about having a veteran team.” The odds makers at BetUS have the Boston Celtics a -6 1/2 point favorite at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Celtics are coming off a 95-90 victory over the Sacramento Kings on the road to move to 23-23-2 ATS for the season. Guard Ray Allen led the way with 22 points 6 boards and 2 assists followed by Rajon Rondo who chipped in 17 points 2 boards and 10 assists for another double-double. Vegas odds makers have the Boston Celtics +350 to win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship.
The Mavs are coming off a string of victories most recently 113-97 over the New York Knicks on the road to move to and impressive 24-22-2 ATS for the season. Dirk added 11 boards and 3 assists to go with his 29 points in leading the Mavs to the victory. Center Tyson Chandler added 15 points and 11 boards as well in 29 minutes of play. The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games when playing Boston and Dallis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 190 points combined of the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics.
I predict the Mavericks to cover so take the points to win!
Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert NFL Football Predictions against the Vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.