Overview
- Tipoff is 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center with national coverage on NBC and Peacock.
- Betting markets list Boston around -6.5 to -7.5 with a total near 222–223 points, positioning the Celtics as clear pregame favorites.
- Dallas lists a lengthy injury report with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II and P. J. Washington out, while Brandon Williams is questionable; Boston remains without Jayson Tatum.
- Cooper Flagg enters off 49- and 34-point performances and is averaging 19.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in his standout rookie season.
- The 31-18 Celtics have won seven of ten behind Jaylen Brown’s 29.4 points per game and a high-volume perimeter attack that ranks near the top of the league in threes attempted and made.