Filip Tomic
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Only the Phoenix Suns have a better record than the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics in 2022. These teams will conclude their regular season series at TD Garden today, with tip-off being set for 3:30 pm ET.
You can watch the game live on ABC, but don’t forget to also check my same game parlay below. We have predictions on the side and total for all 8 games this Sunday.
Let’s dive into the Mavs vs Celtics clash first!
Marcus Smart 3+ made threes (+350)
Jayson Tatum to score 35+ points (+265)
Parlay odds: +1542
Marcus Smart 3+ made threes (+350)
Marcus Smart’s 3-point percentage has been great over the last 9 games he’s played in. He’s knocking them down at a 44% rate, which is a substantial increase from his season average of 32.9%. He’s averaging 2 makes from deep this month, so we will need a bit of extra effort from him in today’s game, but I am not worried at all. He’s just coming off a 20-point effort against the Detroit Pistons which should be a big confidence boost for him. His assignment for most of this game will be to guard Luka Doncic and if Luka tries to return the favor, look for Smart to burn him as Doncic isn’t really known for his defense. Dallas ranks only 16th in the NBA in opponent 3-point percentage in road games, allowing 35.3% of makes. In 3 of his last 5 games against Dallas he has drained at least 3 threes. There’s a good chance Smart gets going early and ends up with at least 3 makes from deep.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum to score 35+ points (+265)
I am convinced if it wasn’t for the somewhat slower start to the season by the Boston Celtics, the way Jayson Tatum has been playing lately he would have been in the MVP conversation. Over his last 10 games he is averaging almost 33 points per game while shooting a mesmerizing 49.6% from the field and almost 40% from downtown, while also making 90% of his free throws. Those are all great numbers, but what matters the most is the eye test and Tatum doesn’t disappoint there. Last Sunday he torched the Brooklyn Nets for 54 points in a direct duel with one of the game’s greats, Kevin Durant, trying to guard him. He has scored 35 or more in 3 of his last 4 games and he’s averaging 39.8 points per game in March.
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