Mavericks vs Celtics: The Mavericks Must Limit Their Opponents From Three

• The Dallas Mavericks have alternated wins and losses over their last four games.
• The Boston Celtics look to bounce back after losing their first game in ten matches.
• The Mavericks swept last year's season series against the Celtics, 2-0.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Predictions and Picks

The Dallas Mavericks look to hand Boston their second defeat in a row. However, Boston's high-powered offence, combined with their excellent ball security and shooting, should help them overcome the Mavericks.

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Boston Celtics def. Dallas Mavericks

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Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics

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Dallas Mavericks Game Notes: The Mavericks Must Limit Their Opponents From Three

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of a loss in their last game, narrow as it may have been. When they take on the Boston Celtics their defence will face one of the league's most high-powered offences.

The Boston Celtics own the league's second-best scoring offence (119.4) off the back of their third-ranked three-point shooting efficiency (39.0%). Dallas will challenge that with their willingness to protect the three-point line - first in three-point field goals allowed per game (10.1).

The Dallas Mavericks own the league's fifth-ranked defence (109.6 defensive rating), but the Celtics aren't a team to take lightly despite their accomplishments. With the Celtics averaging 16.4 three-point field goals per game, the Mavericks will need to limit them from range if they hope to find a victory.

Mavericks Key Player: (F) Christian Wood

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of a narrow loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last match. Usually a mainstay in the Mavericks' rotation, Christian Wood saw limited minutes and was unable to make a strong impact on the game.

In his last match, Christian Wood posted just 5 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 17 minutes of play. He shot 2 of 3 from the field, but questions surround head coach Jason Kidd's decision to keep him on the bench for prolonged periods.

On the season, Wood is averaging 16.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game. With the pace of the Celtics offence, Wood needs to be productive in order for the Mavericks to remain competitive.

Boston Celtics Game Notes: Boston Needs to Improve on the Defensive End

The Boston Celtics definitely aren't the standard when it comes to defending in the NBA. However, in their last game, they were well below an acceptable level, allowing the Chicago Bulls anything they want on offence.

In their 107-121 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Boston allowed their opponents to shoot 51.7% from three-point range and 28.3% from three-point range. Their ball pressure remained inoffensive as well, forcing just 11 turnovers out of the Bulls.

The Dallas Mavericks take care of the ball well in order to make up for their rather pedestrian-scoring efficiency. With the ever-looming threat of Luka Doncic, the Celtics can't be complacent on defence.

Celtics Key Player: (G) Marcus Smart

The Boston Celtics get most of their offensive production from their star-wing players. However, when defensive ace Marcus Smart is struggling from the floor, the Celtics are left quite vulnerable on both ends of the court.

In his last game, a loss to the Chicago Bulls, Smart posted 8 points and 8 assists in 34 minutes of play. He shot just 33.3% from the floor and converted on just 2 of 5 three-point field goals, while also committing 3 turnovers.

Smart needs to be a solid third option for the Boston Celtics to find victory. He's always a menace on the defensive side of the ball, but keeping the Maverick's defence honest will be his focus.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics

• Who: Dallas Mavericks & Boston Celtics
• Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• When: 7:30 PM EST, Wednesday, November 23, 2022
• How to Watch: ESPN, NBA League Pass (Stream)