The Boston Celtics are poised to come in for a sweep and the franchise’s first championship in 16 years, while the Dallas Mavericks are hoping to stay alive.

Catch the game tomorrow, June 15, 2024 at 8:30 AM, Manila time

AWAY: Boston Celtics (3-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jrue Holiday
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Kristaps Porzingis (out) / Al Horford

The Celtics endured a roller coaster Game 3, as they started slow, controlled the next three quarters, basically squandered a 21-point lead in the final frame, before eventually surviving for a 106-99 victory.

After two duds, Jayson Tatum finally came alive as he poured in 31 points, 20 of which were scored in the first half. Such has allowed him to generate confidence, and we’ll see if he can carry it for tomorrow’s potential clincher. Jaylen Brown wasn’t to be outdone, posting 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists with good efficiency (12/22, 54.5%). One more solid performance and a win, he may very well take home the Finals MVP.

Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Al Horford will remain as random third or second scorers. Either way, expect them to keep providing valuable aid in a variety of ways, which becomes even better because even guys like Xavier Tillman and Sam Hauser are supplying quality minutes.

Boston’s collective defense deserves a shoutout too as it continues to be focused and patient, as evident in limiting the Dallas offense under 100 points in each of the three contests.

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HOME: Dallas Mavericks (0-3)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Luka Doncic
  • Kyrie Irving
  • Derrick Jones Jr.
  • P.J. Washington
  • Daniel Gafford

Game 3 saw the Mavericks jump into a fast start for the second-straight game, but they once again failed to keep the energy up. While they had a strong fourth quarter run that brought the 21-point deficit to just one, it seems like they’re just short on weapons.

Such becomes more of a problem when your two main scorers are either struggling or just plain frustrated all the time, like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, respectively. Though Irving broke out of his slump through 27 points (20 in the 1st half), Doncic stayed pouty when things were not going his way – and that’s on top of being a defensive liability. He also fouled out with 4:12 remaining, which was huge since the game was close again at that point.

The two may need to go nuclear simultaneously tomorrow while also having ample help from PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and the rest of the guys. It’s tough but doable if they just figure out a way to keep controlling the pace.

Closeout games are always the toughest, and home teams usually play desperate and lights out while on the brink of getting swept, so who knows?

PICKS:

Spread: Mavericks (+1.5)

Over/Under: Over (211.5)

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