Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics: Match Preview and Predictions - 11th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics
Date and time: Monday, 11 November 2019, 7:30 PM ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Last game results
Dallas Mavericks (6-3): 138-122 win against the Memphis Grizzlies (9th November, Saturday)
Boston Celtics (7-1): 135-115 win against the San Antonio Spurs (9th November, Saturday)
Dallas Mavericks Preview
The Dallas Mavericks have not figured out their starting unit yet as they have used seven starting lineups in nine matches so far this season. However, at 6-3, they are placed comfortably at the fourth spot in Western Conference and are well on track to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
One major concern about this team is that they are overly dependent on Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis which is clearly evident from the way they perform in the duo's absence on the court. They need players like Tim Hardaway Jr and Delon Wright to be more consistent if they want to keep their playoffs hopes alive.
Key Player - Luka Doncic
Just in his second season in the NBA, Luka Doncic is already looking like a top 10 player in the league and he is the main reason why the Mavericks are competing so well this season. He has looked flawless so far and is doing pretty much everything for the Mavericks to keep them in the playoffs picture.
Nine games into the season, the 20-year-old is averaging 28.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 9.3 assists on scorching 47.1% shooting from the field. His stellar performances include four triple-doubles, including the one against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored 31 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists in a losing effort.
Mavericks predicted lineup
Kristaps Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, Luka Doncic, Courtney Lee
Boston Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics continue to roll this year as they are currently on a seven-game win streak, coming off their recent 20-point blowout win against the San Antonio Spurs on the road. It is incredible how the front office was able to keep this team competitive even after All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford departed and it will be interesting to see if their chemistry remains the same going ahead.
One bad news for the fans though is that Gordon Hayward broke his left hand in the game against the Spurs and will see a specialist on Monday to determine if surgery is necessary. This is expected to have a big impact on the team's performance as Hayward has been playing like the player we once knew and has been the Celtics' second-best player behind Kemba Walker.
Key Player - Kemba Walker
After eight seasons in Charlotte where the Hornets only made it to the playoffs twice, Kemba Walker is finally on a team that is capable of making it to the playoffs on a more regular basis. The Celtics have the tools to make it to the playoffs but how deep they can go in the postseason will come down to Walker.
The 29-year-old has been the Celtics' go-to guy so far this season and has already become the face of the franchise. Surrounded by young players, who lack a good amount of playoff experience, it will be a challenge for Kemba but this is a challenge he would love to accept.
Celtics predicted lineup
Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, Daniel Theis
Mavericks vs Celtics match prediction
The Celtics look strong on paper and are also high on confidence riding on a seven-game win streak. However, in the absence of Gordon Hayward, it will be a challenge for them to adapt and the Mavericks can exploit this to their advantage and trouble the Celtics.
Kristaps Porzingis will make his return after missing the recent game against the Grizzlies due to rest. A fresh Porzingis and in-form Luka can really bring the pain on the Celtics and end their winning streak.
However, the Celtics are a great defensive team and it is not going to be easy for the Mavericks to score. They will need their shooters and role players to step up and not be too dependent on the Luka-Kristaps duo. Also, the Mavericks themselves are yet to figure out their own starting unit as they have been experimenting with various lineups. Playing at the home gives Celtics an added boost and expect them to figure it out and beat the Mavericks.
Where to Watch Mavericks vs Celtics?
The game will not be broadcast on national television but you can catch the local coverage of the game on NBC Sports Boston and FOX Sports Southwest. Additionally, you can also live stream the game via NBA League Pass.