DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Boston Celtics in an NBA Finals rematch on Saturday evening at the American Airlines Center.
The Celtics enter the matchup with an impressive 31-14 record, including a stellar 16-6 mark in road games. Meanwhile, the Mavericks hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference with a 24-21 record and a solid 13-9 record at home.
In their previous NBA Finals meeting, the Celtics emerged victorious with a 4-1 series win, claiming the championship. Despite ongoing injury challenges, the Mavericks remain optimistic after a morale-boosting victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. Dallas has managed a 5-10 record without Luka Doncic, who is expected to be re-evaluated soon.
Spencer Dinwiddie shared the team’s optimistic outlook, stating, “We typically take off after the trade deadline.” This sentiment reflects the Mavericks’ hope to acquire new players and strengthen their roster for a strong push in the fourth quarter of the season.
In addition to Doncic, the Mavericks’ injury report includes Dwight Powell, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, Jaden Hardy, and Naji Marshall. In contrast, the Celtics boast a fully healthy roster heading into Saturday’s showdown.
The stage is set for a high-stakes battle as the Mavericks look to overcome adversity and challenge the reigning NBA champions on their home court.
