NBA Finals 2024: Celtics vs. Mavericks Game 2 Preview, Live Updates and Latest Predictions

by Jason Darries, 10 Jun 2024, Sports

9 Comments

Game 1 Recap: Celtics Dominate with Team Effort

The Boston Celtics set the tone early in the 2024 NBA Finals, showcasing their dominance in Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks. Leading the charge were Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, whose combined efforts resulted in a convincing 107-89 victory. Tatum showcased his all-around game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Brown's stellar defense and offensive prowess were on full display, contributing 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Adding to the Celtics' prowess, Kristaps Porzingis made a notable debut with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in his limited time on the court.

Celtics' Strategy Pay Off

Throughout the game, the Celtics strategically utilized their depth and team chemistry, outmaneuvering the Mavericks on both ends of the floor. Their defensive strategies paid off, with Celtics players keenly aware of Dallas’ offensive threats, notably Luka Doncic. Although Doncic's presence was felt, his performance was hindered by a series of physical ailments, including a thoracic contusion, a right knee sprain, and left ankle soreness. These injuries raised doubt about his availability for Game 2, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the Mavericks' game plan and potentially affecting their dynamics on the court.

Kristaps Porzingis' Impact

One of the key narratives from Game 1 was Kristaps Porzingis' scoring and defensive impact. Despite playing fewer than 22 minutes, Porzingis proved his worth by efficiently using his time on the court. His contributions included 20 points, complemented by six rebounds and three blocks, marking an impressive performance in his NBA Finals debut. Porzingis' ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim adds a valuable dimension to the Celtics' gameplay.

Looking Ahead to Game 2

As anticipation builds for Game 2, scheduled for June 9 at 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston, the key question remains whether Luka Doncic will be fit to play. Listed as questionable, Doncic's health is a vital factor for the Mavericks. His potential absence or limited capacity could tilt the balance heavily in favor of the Celtics. Game 2 will be broadcast on ABC and available for streaming on ESPN+ and Fubo, making it accessible to a wide audience eager to witness the unfolding drama of this high-stakes series.

Expert Predictions and Betting Odds

According to betting odds, the Celtics are favored with a -7.5 spread. Experts predict another win for Boston, with anticipated scores spanning from 103 to 112. The Celtics' comprehensive performance in Game 1 has solidified their status as favorites, but the unpredictability of the Finals means that anything can happen on game night.

NBA Finals Schedule

The NBA Finals schedule is tightly packed, ensuring a high-octane series. Following Game 2, the teams will clash in Game 3 on June 12, Game 4 on June 14, and continue as necessary with Game 5 on June 17, Game 6 on June 20, and if pushed to the limit, a decisive Game 7 on June 23.

Key Players to Watch

Beyond the known stars, several players on both rosters could significantly influence the outcomes of upcoming games. For the Celtics, key contributors like Marcus Smart and Al Horford will need to continue their robust performances, providing the depth and versatility that has allowed Boston to excel thus far. On the other hand, the Mavericks will likely look to Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson to step up, especially if Doncic is sidelined.

Strategies and Adjustments

The Mavericks are expected to make several strategic adjustments to counter the Celtics' aggressive defense. Potential changes could involve maximizing Porzingis’ unique skill set and finding ways to better integrate their bench players to maintain offensive pressure. The Celtics will presumably stick to their well-established game plan, emphasizing strong defense and efficient ball movement, while also exploiting any gaps left by the Mavericks’ defensive schemes.

Fan Engagement and Atmosphere

Both teams' fanbases have been passionate and vocal, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere both in the arenas and on social media. As the series progresses, this energy is likely to amplify, providing both motivation and pressure to players. The Celtics' home advantage in Game 2, combined with their momentum, creates an interesting dynamic that could influence the game's outcome.

Conclusion: Anticipating the Clash

As Game 2 approaches, the basketball world is abuzz with analysis, predictions, and excitement. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the remainder of the series, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Luka Doncic's health. With expert opinions favoring the Celtics and the drama of the Finals unfolding, one thing is certain: basketball fans are in for a thrilling ride as two of the NBA's most storied franchises battle it out for the championship.

Chris Ward 10 Jun

Honestly, I think the odds are a bit overrated – the Mavericks have a silent ace in Porzingis that could flip teh script. The Celtics look solid, sure, but they've been relying on a few hot hands and that can dry up fast. If Luka makes it, he'll bring that chaotic energy that Boston's defense struggles with. So don't count Dallas out just because the spread says otherwise.

Heather Stoelting 10 Jun

Can't wait for Game 2 the energy in Boston is insane! If the Celtics keep that defensive intensity they’ll crush the Mavericks again. Even if Luka is limited the whole team can step up and we’ll see a showdown. Let’s go C’s!

Travis Cossairt 10 Jun

Game 1 was a clear win for Boston but the series is still young. Dallas showed some sparks even with the injuries. Porzingis’ minutes were limited but he made an impact. It’ll be interesting to see how the coaches adjust.

Amanda Friar 10 Jun

Oh sure, because a single big man suddenly turning the tide is what we’ve seen a hundred times in the Finals. The Mavericks are banking on a miracle from Porzingis while the Celtics keep playing a team game – what could possibly go wrong? Maybe the only surprise is how much the media loves a David‑and‑Goliath narrative.

Sivaprasad Rajana 10 Jun

The Celtics’ success rests on balanced scoring and tight defense. By rotating players they keep the pace high and force turnovers. Dallas needs to find a way to space the floor without over‑relying on one star. If they can integrate their bench efficiently, they might stay competitive.

Andrew Wilchak 10 Jun

Bruh, if Boston wins again they’ll be on fire.

Roland Baber 10 Jun

When evaluating a Finals series, it’s essential to consider not just the box scores but the underlying systems that each team employs. The Celtics have cultivated a defensive identity that emphasizes rotation, communication, and gap control, which allows them to contest shots without sacrificing rebounding. Their ability to switch on screens while still protecting the rim has limited the Mavericks’ pick‑and‑roll efficiency, a fact that will be crucial if Luka cannot play his full minutes. On the offensive end, Boston’s motion sets create high‑percentage looks for both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while also freeing up role players like Marcus Smart to contribute at the rim. This multi‑pronged approach reduces the reliance on any single scorer and makes it difficult for Dallas to key in on one player. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have a contrasting philosophy that leans heavily on isolation and the creation of mismatches for Luka. When Luka is healthy, his ability to draw double‑teams opens lanes for teammates, but the current injury concerns dilute that advantage. Porzingis can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, yet his limited minutes have not allowed him to develop rhythm in the series. The Mavs must therefore find a hybrid strategy that blends their traditional inside‑out game with the spacing needed to counter Boston’s perimeter defense. If they can calibrate their rotations to keep fresh legs on the floor, they might offset the Celtics’ depth advantage. Coaching adjustments will be pivotal: Doc Rivers can exploit Boston’s aggressive ball‑pressure by delivering quick outlet passes to transition, whereas Jason Kidd could look to insert more zone concepts to obscure the Celtics’ defensive assignments. The psychological component cannot be ignored either; the home‑court energy at TD Garden will test the Mavericks’ composure under pressure. In past Finals, teams that have managed to stay emotionally balanced despite hostile crowds have often turned the tide in later games. Finally, the health of both teams’ star players will dictate the pacing of the series. A fully fit Luka would likely shift the tactical balance towards a faster tempo, while an uninjured Tatum would keep Boston’s half‑court sets effective. As the series unfolds, the team that best integrates strategic flexibility, depth, and mental resilience will most likely lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Phil Wilson 10 Jun

Spot on with the systems point – Boston’s defensive schema essentially operates as a “plug‑and‑play” module, where each wing can seamlessly transition into a help rotor. From an analytics standpoint, their defensive rating has dipped below the 100‑point threshold largely due to forced turnovers and high‑efficiency contest rate. Dallas would benefit from deploying a hybrid 2‑3 zone in the early phases to disrupt the Celtics’ ball‑movement patterns, then selectively switch to man‑to‑man once they gauge the offensive tempo. Integrating such tempo‑adjusted schemes can maximize the marginal value of Porzingis’ spacing ability while minimizing the exposure of their interior defense. In short, tactical elasticity is the name of the game.

Roy Shackelford 10 Jun

All these “expert” predictions are just a smokescreen pushed by the media to keep the narrative in favor of the “big market” teams. The league’s board wants to keep the spotlight on Boston because it sells more tickets and merch, so they’ll quietly tilt officiating and broadcast angles to make the Celtics look unbeatable. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are being denied fair coverage and the real story – the hidden injuries and the bias against smaller markets – is being suppressed. Wake up, folks, the sport is not as pure as it pretends to be.