Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the third quarter during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
- After dominating Game 1, the Boston Celtics are seven-point favorites in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks
- The Mavericks vs Celtics public-betting splits for Game 2 show the majority of ATS handle on Dallas for the second straight game
- See all the Game 2 Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics public-betting splits and money percentages on June 9, 2024
A dominant Game 1 performance (107-89) by the Boston Celtics wasn’t enough to sway the public when it comes to the Mavericks vs Celtics public-betting splits for Game 2 on Sunday, June 9, at TD Garden in Boston (8:10 pm ET tipoff).
The public is – for the second straight game – heavily backing Dallas against the spread as a big road underdog.
DAL Mavericks vs BOS Celtics Betting Percentages for Game 2
| Team | Spread | ATS Handle% | ATS Bet% | Total Points | O/U Handle% | O/U Bet% | Moneyline | ML Handle% | ML Bet% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | +7 | 61% | 52% | 214.5 | 82% | 86% | +225 | 41% | 10% |
| Boston Celtics | -7 | 39% | 48% | 214.5 | 18% | 14% | -278 | 59% | 90% |
The current NBA public betting splits for Game 2 show the Mavericks getting 61% of ATS handle as seven-point underdogs (up half a point from Game 1, when they were 6.5-point road ‘dogs). The Mavs are getting 61% of ATS handle on just 52% of the bets, as well, indicating the bigger wagers are also on Dallas to cover the spread.
Public Once Again Hammering the Over in DAL vs BOS Game 2
One of the more surprising numbers on the board in the Game 2 splits is the total. Game 1 stayed under its total of 214.5 by 18.5 points, yet the total for Game 2 remains unchanged and the public is once again hammering the over, currently putting 82% of handle and 86% of wagers on over 214.5. Both teams had hit five overs in their past six games entering the series, but Dallas only managed 43 first-half points on Thursday, which effectively doomed over bettors.
Luka Doncic (30 points) was the only Maverick with more than 14 in Game 1 and he only managed a season-low one assists as his team shot 41.7% from the field against Boston’s second-rated defense (110.6 Defensive Rating in the regular season, 107.8 D-Rating in the playoffs).
Another factor that should give over bettors pause is the teams’ pace. Both squads have drastically slowed their pace of play in the playoffs, with Boston dropping from 97.98 in the regular season to just 92.52 in the postseason, and Dallas slowing from 100.60 to 93.61 in the playoffs.
Celtics Moneyline Remains the Play for the Public in Game 2 Splits
While the public is backing Dallas against the spread, betting the Mavs to win straight-up in Boston is a bridge too far. Boston, which is an absurd 44-6 at home this season (including playoffs), is currently getting 58% of moneyline handle as -250 favorites. (That’s the best current price on the C’s, who are as short as -260 at Caesars Sportsbook).
The 42% of money backing Dallas to win straight-up does have some solid recent history on its side: not only did Boston drop Game 2 at home to both the Miami Heat in round one and the Cleveland Cavaliers in round two, the Mavericks have yet to lose back-to-back games in the playoffs. They have also responded to every straight-up loss with an ATS victory.
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Sascha was a hockey player in his youth, a lawyer in his capricious mid-20s, and has been with SBD since 2014. He specializes in football, basketball, politics, baseball, and hockey.
In the highly anticipated Game 2 matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, public betting trends are showing overwhelming support for the over wager. The total points line for this game is set at 215.5, and bettors are flocking to place their bets on the over.
One of the main reasons for this surge in support for the over wager is the high-scoring nature of both teams. The Mavericks have one of the most potent offenses in the league, led by superstar Luka Doncic. They are averaging 112.3 points per game this season, which ranks them 10th in the NBA. On the other hand, the Celtics are also a strong offensive team, averaging 111.6 points per game.
In addition to their high-scoring offenses, both teams have struggled on the defensive end this season. The Mavericks are allowing 111.6 points per game, while the Celtics are giving up 111.2 points per game. This combination of strong offenses and porous defenses has led many bettors to believe that Game 2 will be a high-scoring affair.
Another factor contributing to the overwhelming support for the over wager is the recent trends in the Mavericks vs Celtics head-to-head matchups. In their last five meetings, the total points scored has gone over the set line four times. This trend has further fueled bettors’ confidence in placing their bets on the over for Game 2.
It is important to note that public betting trends are not always indicative of the actual outcome of a game. However, with the strong offensive capabilities of both teams and the recent trends in their head-to-head matchups, it is understandable why bettors are leaning towards the over wager for Game 2 between the Mavericks and Celtics. As always, it is crucial to do your own research and analysis before placing any bets to make an informed decision.