NBA Finals Game 5 Picks - June 17

The Dallas Mavericks just made a resounding statement by winning Game 4 of the NBA Finals by 38 points, marking the third-largest margin of victory in NBA Finals history. Despite this impressive performance, the Boston Celtics still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead as the NBA Finals shifts back to the TD Garden for Game 5. This game could potentially be the series clincher for the Celtics, while the Mavericks are looking to keep up their momentum and fight to stay alive. Here are the top Celtics vs Mavericks betting picks and predictions for this pivotal matchup.

NBA Finals Game 5 Predictions

Boston Celtics -6.5 over Dallas Mavericks (-112)

Over 209.5 Total Points (-108)

Luka Doncic Over 32.5 Points (-115)

Celtics vs. Mavericks NBA Finals Game 5 Best Bet: Celtics -6.5 over Mavericks (-112)

The Mavericks' dominant Game 4 performance is fresh, but the Celtics are expected to bounce back strong at home. After three fairly straightforward wins for the Celtics, there’s a chance that Boston entered Game 4 without the right mindset but that humbling will serve as a strong reminder for Joe Mazzulla’s team to remain focused. Boston's depth and overall team quality give them an edge, even if Kristaps Porzingis' status remains uncertain. Kyrie Irving's return to Boston adds another layer of intrigue, but the Celtics' defensive adjustments and home-court advantage should help them secure a victory by at least seven points. Boston's goal is clear: avoid a return trip to Dallas for Game 6. Look for a competitive game through three quarters before the Celtics pull away late to cover the spread.

Celtics vs. Mavericks NBA Finals Game 5 Best Bet: Over 209.5 Total Points (-108)

Although no game in this series has surpassed 209 total points, the over is an intriguing bet here. The Mavericks' success with an uptempo pace in Game 4 is likely to influence their strategy in Game 5. Boston's defense is formidable in the halfcourt, but Dallas might push the pace to create more scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Celtics are expected to rebound offensively after a lackluster 84-point performance in Game 4. Given these factors, taking the over on 209.5 total points seems a reasonable bet.

Celtics vs. Mavericks NBA Finals Game 5 Best Bet: Luka Doncic Over 32.5 Points (-115)

Luka Doncic has been the cornerstone of the Mavericks' offense, averaging 29.5 points per game in the series. In Game 4, he scored 29 points without even playing the fourth quarter, showcasing his scoring prowess. With the Mavericks facing elimination, Doncic will be relied upon heavily to keep their hopes alive. Given Boston’s strategy of removing Dallas’ roleplayers from the scoring equation and almost forcing Doncic and Irving to do it themselves, we should see both players step up as a result. Expect a big performance from Doncic, making the over on 32.5 points a solid bet.

Game 5 of the NBA Finals promises to be an exciting contest with significant implications. The Boston Celtics are poised to cover the -6.5 spread, driven by their desire to close out the series at home. Meanwhile, the total points are expected to go over 209.5, influenced by the Mavericks' potential pace and the Celtics' offensive rebound. Lastly, Luka Doncic's scoring capability in a high-pressure game makes the over on his points a compelling bet. These picks highlight the dynamics at play and offer promising angles for bettors as the Finals continue.