By Only Players Staff
Updated 6/7/24 3:36am ET
The betting market is ignoring conventional thought, as the Boston Celtics (-7) are now larger favorites over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 than they were in the NBA Finals opener.
Boston dominated Game 1 as a 6.5-point favorite, leading by 17 points after the first quarter and by as many as 29, before taking a 21-point halftime lead.
The Mavs did cut the deficit to eight points in the third quarter but Boston resumed control and cruised to victory. The Celtics finished with 16 made three-pointers, compared to Dallas’ seven makes.
The Game 2 point spread often adjusts towards the team that loses a series opener but Boston looked so impressive that the betting market has determined a new baseline for this matchup.
Kristaps Porzingis returned from a calf injury and 38-day absence, coming off the bench to score 20 points in 21 minutes. He cashed the over on his prop of 15.5 points.
Luka Doncic scored a game-high 30 points, falling just short of his 30.5 prop. Plus, Doncic only registered one assist; he was a -700 favorite to lead the series in assists.
The Game 2 total is 214.5. Game 1’s total closed 216.5 and the final was 107-89.
The Celtics are -425 favorites at DraftKings after closing around -220. Dallas is a +330 underdog.
Photo Courtesy: Icon Sportswire
