In the highly anticipated Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics will face off against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday. The Celtics, who swept the two-game series against the Mavericks during the regular season, are riding a four-game winning streak against their opponents. The latest odds from the SportsLine consensus place Boston as 6.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 214.5 points.

The Mavericks have shown their mettle on the road to the NBA Finals, defeating formidable teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, all of whom had 50-plus win seasons. Meanwhile, the Celtics had to overcome the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers to secure their spot in the Finals.

Before placing any bets, NBA fans are advised to turn to the trusted SportsLine Projection Model. This computer model has simulated the outcome of every NBA game over 10,000 times and has garnered a remarkable track record of success, earning over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks in the past five-plus seasons. Notably, this season alone, the model boasts an impressive 94-61 record on all top-rated NBA picks, generating a profit of more than $2,800.

The SportsLine model has now trained its sights on the Celtics vs. Mavericks matchup, delivering its expert picks and NBA Finals predictions. These exclusive predictions can be found at SportsLine.

Taking a closer look at the Mavericks, forward P.J. Washington has proven to be a valuable addition to their roster, showcasing his ability to score from beyond the arc and creating opportunities at the rim. Derrick Jones Jr., another dynamic presence in the frontcourt, showcases his skills as an athletic scorer, while also contributing on the defensive end.

On the Celtics side, guard Jaylen Brown has emerged as a key player, making his presence felt with his scoring ability and defensive prowess. Guard Derrick White provides additional firepower, with his reliable shooting and playmaking skills.

According to the SportsLine model, the total combined points scored in the game is projected to surpass 219. Additionally, the model predicts that one side of the spread will hit well over 50% of the time.

NBA enthusiasts are encouraged to turn to SportsLine for the most accurate and reliable predictions ahead of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks.