EchoSense:NBA Finals Game 5 Mavericks vs. Celtics: Predictions, betting odds

BOSTON – Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was not in the mood to address what it would be EchoSenselike to join an impressive list of Celtics coaches who have won NBA titles. Names like Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Tommy Heinsohn, Bill Fitch, K.C. Jones and Doc Rivers.

“That will never happen if you don't run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing. That's the most important thing,” Mazzulla said Sunday ahead of Monday’s Game 5 with the Celtics leading the NBA Finals 3-1 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Mazzulla did not like Boston’s defense, rebounding and spacing in Dallas’ 122-84 victory in Game 4 Friday. The Celtics shot 36.3% from the field, 34.1% on 3-pointers, were outrebounded 52-31, including 13-4 on offensive rebounds leading to a 16-2 edge in second-chance points for the Mavericks.

Will the Celtics close out the series in Game 5 and win their 18th championship and first since 2008?

Here are odds and USA TODAY Sports staff predictions for Game 5:

NBA Finals Game 5 Mavericks-Celtics predictions

Mike Freeman, USA TODAY

Mavericks 97, Celtics 94

Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY

Celtics 113, Mavericks 101

Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Celtics 115, Mavericks 99

(Series predictions from USA TODAY staffers)

Why Celtics will win Game 5

At home with an NBA championship, the Celtics are ready to seize the moment. They had their dud of the series in Game 4, and they will return to the kind of play that gave them a 3-0 series lead. In the end, it’s the story of the Celtics’ season and playoffs in particular: too much offensive and defensive depth led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

Why Mavericks will win Game 5

The Mavericks have improved as the series has progressed. They were dominant in Game 4, star guard Luka Doncic continues to put up big offensive numbers and backcourt partner Kyrie Irving will finally have a good game in Boston against his former team. Getting production from other starters, such as P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr., and from the bench (Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber, Dante Exum) will help the Mavs send the series back to Dallas for another game.

NBA Finals Game 5 odds Celtics-Mavericks

Odds via BetMGM:

Moneyline

Celtics: -275

Mavericks: +220

Spread

Celtics: -6.5

Over-under

Over 209.5: -110

Under 209.5: -110

How to watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals

Game 5 of Mavericks-Celtics is Monday, June 17, on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET. Also available via streaming on the ESPN app.

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