The Mavericks are trying to scrape together some rhythm amid a four-game slide, hosting a Celtics team that’s found theirs. Boston enters 26–11 over their last 37 games with a plus-nine net rating, even while navigating their own key absences. What they haven’t lost is identity — relentless three-point volume, layers of guard play, and enough length inside to clean up misses. Dallas, meanwhile, is working with a skeleton crew in the paint and leaning more on Cooper Flagg every week. Can he carry
the Mavs to a win or cover?
Let’s scan the lines in search of value.
🏀 Fixture:
Boston Celtics (31–18, 14–10 Away)
@ Dallas Mavericks (19–30, 11–12 Home)
📍 American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
🕢 7:00 PM CST, February 3
📺 NBC Sports, Peacock, KFAA
💰 DraftKings Odds (as of 6:35 AM CST):
Spread: BOS −7.5 (−105) | DAL +7.5 (−115)
Total: 221.5 (O −115 / U −105)
Moneyline: BOS −270 | DAL +220
🎲 Game Side Pick: Celtics −7.5
The Mavericks will need to win the math battle with rim pressure, transition, and a few hot hands from midrange. The problem? Boston shoots over 42 threes a game, ranks third in percentage, and won’t stop shooting even if they start cold.
Jaylen Brown has been cooking (29.4 PPG), but it’s the middle of Boston’s rotation — Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, Neemias Queta—that keeps their machine rolling. If Dallas can’t generate turnovers or limit second chances, the game starts tilting early on and may not recover.
It’s enough for a lean.
📊 Player Prop: Cooper Flagg over 20.5 points (−122)
Flagg’s recent line against Charlotte wasn’t just 49 points — it was a message: he knows it’s his team now. Even more impressive? His 34 on the road in Houston against their defensive talent. Flagg will deploy a mix of post-ups, cuts, and self-created looks that Boston can’t fully erase, even with their elite wing defense.
With usage stable and minutes north of 36 in close games, Flagg has room to hit this without needing to shoot the lights out. Role meets rhythm—not flashy, but solid.
📊 Player Prop: Neemias Queta over 8.5 rebounds (−131)
Queta’s quietly become a reliable rebounder in extended minutes. The Celtics’ barrage from three-point range creates long rebound opportunities, and Dallas isn’t fielding much resistance on the interior right now.
He pulled 8 in 31 minutes vs. Milwaukee, and 15 the game before that vs the Kings. If he stays on the floor, he clears. It’s a volume spot, and the matchup says go.
