Game 5 In The Garden

AuthorAuthor

Zach Beier & Chubbs Scheffler
June 17, 2024

Good morning,

Let’s dive in…

Developing Stories 📰

The Boston Celtics will host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at TD Garden. The Celtics controlled the first three games but were thoroughly beaten in Game 4. Dallas’s win in Game 4 ended their seven-game losing streak against Boston and provided them with momentum for a potential historic comeback. For Boston, being back on their home court is seen as the perfect chance to secure a victory. Regardless, this game is a must-watch for sports fans.

Dallas had struggled against Boston in recent seasons but achieved a significant turnaround with their historic 38-point win in Game 4, one of the largest margins in NBA Finals history. This victory might be the confidence boost they needed. Despite injury challenges, the Mavericks have been one of the league's best teams over the last two months. They overcame these issues as the Finals began, and only Greg Brown III remains out, though his absence isn't expected to impact the game significantly. Luka Doncic's knee injuries are a concern, but he's expected to play full minutes.

Dallas's success in Game 4 was driven by their defense, which was pivotal in this series for the first time. Their defensive intensity fueled their offense, contributing to one of Boston's worst performances this season. For Dallas to win on the road, they’ll need strong contributions from their supporting cast, especially in the frontcourt and from three-point range.

Despite their poor showing in Game 4, Boston has the opportunity to secure a win at home. They had won seven straight against Dallas before Friday’s game and need to view the blowout loss as an anomaly. With their talent and experience, a bounce-back is likely. Boston has been the league's best team all season, particularly at home, which should help them aim to close out the series.

The Celtics have faced injuries throughout the playoffs, with Kristaps Porzingis missing much of the first three series and the last two games. His absence has been significant, as his presence in Game 1 was key to Boston's dominance.

Boston has been highly efficient on both ends of the floor this season but needs to recover their scoring touch after struggling in Game 4. Poor shooting across the lineup hurt them, but a return to TD Garden should help. The Celtics have rebounded well from losses all season, and they'll look to maintain that resilience in Game 5. While a single loss isn’t disastrous, they’ll aim to avoid a losing streak and prevent Dallas from gaining further confidence.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 1960 Ted Williams hit his 500th career homerun.

1965 Willie Mays broke the record for most HR’s in a month with 17.

1994 O.J. Simpson drove his white bronco across LA with police in pursuit after the alleged murders of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

Former LSU HC Les Miles is suing the school for vacating his wins making him uneligible to make the head coaching HOF.

Bryson DeChambeau wins Pinehurst on the 18th hole to claim his second title.

The Oilers avoid the sweep with an impressive 8-1 win over the Panthers.

Conor McDavid passed Wayne Gretzky for most assist in the postseason with 32.

Mookie Betts fractured his left hand after he was hit by a pitch against the Royals.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence agree to an extension for 5 years worth $275 million.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins signed a franchise tag on Saturday.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

🏀 Mavericks at Celtics

  • The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Boston

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games

  • Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

⚾️ Reds at Pirates

  • The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 8 games

  • Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games

⚾️ Red Sox at Blue Jays

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Toronto

⚾️ Giants at Cubs

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs

  • The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Francisco's last 10 games when playing Chi Cubs

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games

  • Chi Cubs is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco

⚾️ Mets at Rangers

  • NY Mets is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

  • NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

  • The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas's last 10 games at home

  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games

🏒 Oilers at Panthers

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games on the road

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

⚾️ MLB

29% of bets and 52% of money is on UNDER 7 STL at MIA

36% of bets and 59% of money is on TOR -1.5 (+160)

20% of bets and 70% of money is on OVER 10 SF at CHC

45% of bets and 86% of money is on UNDER 8 NYM at TEX

30% of bets and 49% of money is on OVER 12.5 LAD at COL

60% of bets and 84% of money is on MIL -1.5 (+145)

🎓⚾️ MCWS

52% of bets and 74% of money is on FSU -1.5 (+105)

44% of bets and 64% of money is on UNDER 8.5 TA&M at UK

⛹️‍♀️ WNBA

35% of bets and 68% of money is on OVER 165.5 DAL at MIN

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Picks 🔒

Celtics -6.5 | Dallas has been strong recently, avoiding a sweep in the NBA Finals, but Boston is set to win and cover in Game 5. Boston returns home, where they've been dominant, and have confidence from their recent success against Dallas. An extra day of rest benefits their stars and might allow Porzingis to play. Boston has consistently bounced back well in the playoffs and throughout the season, and this game is expected to be no different.

Panthers -135 | Florida has only lost consecutive games once this postseason, during Games 2 and 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the New York Rangers, but then won six straight. Captain Aleksander Barkov leads the Panthers with 21 playoff points, including four two-point games in his last eight. In this series, Barkov had two assists in the opener and a goal and an assist in Game 3.