In a highly anticipated matchup, the Boston Celtics are on the verge of sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Friday night. With the basketball betting market reaching new heights during the postseason, sports enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling game.

History suggests that an 3-0 lead in the Finals is often insurmountable, as eight post-merger NBA teams have found themselves in this position. Out of those, six have managed to secure a clean sweep. However, the Mavericks will need to produce something extraordinary to avoid becoming another statistic. The odds are against them, especially considering that the Celtics have been undefeated on the road throughout the playoffs.

For the Mavericks, replicating the success of previous teams that avoided a sweep is a daunting task. In 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers made an exceptional 24 3-pointers to stay alive in the Finals. Unfortunately, such a high-scoring performance is not easily replicable, and the Mavericks will need to rely on different strengths to overturn the odds. Additionally, the Mavericks lack a defensive force like Gary Payton, who famously guarded Michael Jordan in the 1996 NBA Finals. It's clear that the Mavericks cannot afford to wait any longer to make strategic adjustments in their gameplay.

The Celtics, known for their egalitarian offense, have showcased a different leading scorer in each of the first three games of the Finals. This diversity in scoring options reflects their team's DNA, making it challenging for opposing teams to shut down a single player. Heading into Game 4, Derrick White is a player to watch, as he has consistently surpassed the 15.5 points mark in two out of three games. With opportunities near the basket and a lower priority for the Mavericks' defense, White could potentially step up as the Celtics' leading scorer.

One key factor contributing to the Celtics' success has been Sam Hauser. The reserve player has impressed both offensively and defensively, making more 3-pointers in the Finals than the entire Mavericks bench combined. Hauser's strong defensive presence in Game 3 also played a decisive role in the Celtics' victory. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, Hauser has stepped up to the challenge and is expected to continue contributing from beyond the arc in Game 4.

All eyes will be on Luka Doncic, the star player for the Mavericks, as they fight to extend the series. Doncic has yet to unleash a scoring explosion in this series, but he possesses the talent and determination to carry his team when it matters most. Facing one-on-one defense from the Celtics, Doncic has the opportunity to put up impressive numbers in a season-ending game. Should he fail to exceed 32.5 points, the Mavericks' chances of staying alive may dwindle.

Fans and bettors alike eagerly await the outcome of Game 4 between the Celtics and the Mavericks. Will the Celtics complete the sweep and secure their spot as the NBA champions, or will the Mavericks deliver a stunning comeback to keep their playoff hopes alive? Friday night promises to be a thrilling showdown as both teams vie for victory in this high-stakes game.