The 2024 NBA Finals have arrived, and basketball enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats as the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks face off for the championship. This highly anticipated series marks the first Finals matchup between these two teams. The top-seeded Boston Celtics dominated the Eastern Conference finals, sweeping the Indiana Pacers, while the No. 5-seeded Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the West.
A Clash of Titans: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Finals will showcase an electrifying duel between two dynamic duos: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the Mavericks, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Boston Celtics. Each of these superstars has the potential to claim the coveted Finals MVP title. Adding to the excitement, Kristaps Porzingis is set to return to the court after recovering from a right calf strain suffered in the first round.
As Game 1 tips off on Thursday at Boston’s TD Garden, our NBA experts weigh in on who they believe will emerge victorious and who will be crowned Finals MVP.
Expert Predictions: Boston Celtics or Dallas Mavericks?
Kendra Andrews
- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Kyrie Irving
Jerry Bembry
- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Tim Bontemps
- Prediction: Celtics in 6
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Jamal Collier
- Prediction: Celtics in 6
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Israel Gutierrez
- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Chris Herring
- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Tim Legler
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- Prediction: Mavericks in 7
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Andrew Lopez
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- Prediction: Celtics in 7
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Zach Lowe
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- Prediction: Celtics in 6
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Bobby Marks
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- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Kyrie Irving
Dave McMenamin
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- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Kevin Pelton
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- Prediction: Celtics in 7
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Omar Raja
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- Prediction: Mavericks in 6
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Ramona Shelburne
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- Prediction: Celtics in 7
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
André Snellings
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- Prediction: Celtics in 7
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Marc J. Spears
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- Prediction: Celtics in 7
- MVP: Jayson Tatum
Ohm Youngmisuk
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- Prediction: Mavericks in 7
- MVP: Luka Doncic
Final Tally: Expert Consensus
After tallying the expert predictions, the final consensus leans slightly towards the Mavericks with nine experts predicting their victory over the Boston Celtics’ eight. As for the Finals MVP, Jayson Tatum edges out Luka Doncic with eight votes to seven, while Kyrie Irving garners two votes.
Which Team Will Hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy?
The stage is set for an epic battle. The Boston Celtics, led by the formidable duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, seek to add another championship to their storied history. On the other side, the Mavericks, driven by the brilliance of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, aim to capture their first title since 2011.
As the games unfold, fans and analysts alike will be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the crowning of the 2024 NBA Champions and the Finals MVP. Whether it’s the Boston Celtics or the Mavericks, this series promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable season.
