Celtics-Mavericks Odds Preview

The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at American Airlines Center. Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Mavericks, while the game's total is sitting at 194. The Celtics allowed just 13 points in the fourth quarter to earn an 89-77 win over the Hornets last time out. The Celtics covered the 7-point spread, while the 166 points fell UNDER the posted total of 185.5. Paul Pierce led the way with a game-high 30 points, while Kevin Garnett had 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in that win. Josh Howard scored 23 points and hauled down six rebounds, as the Mavericks outgunned the Kings 118-100 on Tuesday night. Dallas cashed as 12-point home favorites as the teams played over the 213-point total listed by sportsbooks. Current streak: Dallas has won 2 straight games. Team records: Boston: 43-11 SU, 30-24 ATS Dallas: 31-20 SU, 24-27 ATS Boston most recently: When playing on Thursday are 8-2 Before playing Utah are 6-4 After playing New Orleans are 3-7 After a win are 8-2 Dallas most recently: When playing on Thursday are 4-6 Before playing New Jersey are 6-4 After playing Sacramento are 6-4 After a win are 6-4 A few trends to consider: Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road Boston is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games at home Next up: Boston at Utah, Thursday, February 19 Dallas home to New Jersey, Wednesday, February 18