Monday, March 17, 8:30 PM on CSNE, FSSW

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

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On Monday March 17, the Boston Celtics will travel to American Airlines Center in Dallas to take on the Mavericks in their second game against each other this season. Dallas is currently right on the cusp of the playoffs and every game at this point is an important one. Even with Boston looking to get some payback from last game, this game is even more important for Dallas.

In the first game, the Mavericks beat the Celtics 102-91 and got their fifth straight victory. Jose Calderon led the Mavericks with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists but this truly was a team effort in which six players scored in double figures. Dirk Nowitzki added 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win. Shawn Marion contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Neither team looked to be ready to play in a sloppy first quarter but Dallas ended up getting their feet under them a bit sooner than the Celtics. By halftime, Dallas was up six by a score of 44-38. The Mavericks came out of the half ready to go and pulled away in the third by going on a 28-18 run. Dallas got the lead up to 20 in the fourth quarter before Boston made a run of their own to bring the game to within nine but the Mavericks were able to hold on in this one.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 15 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and a steal. The Celtics also got a contribution from Jeff Green who added 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block in the losing effort.

ATS Trends

Boston is 17-13-1 ATS on the road this season

Boston is 12-19-0 against the over/under on the road this season

Dallas is 15-16-0 ATS at home this season

Dallas is 17-14-0 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Boston

02/28/14 F Gerald Wallace Knee out for season
02/20/14 C Vitor Faverani Knee out indefinitely
02/18/14 G Avery Bradley Ankle out indefinitely
01/14/14 G Keith Bogans Personal out indefinitely

Dallas

03/12/14 G Devin Harris Achilles is upgraded to probable
03/12/14 F Jae Crowder Abdominal Questionable

Dallas has won against the spread in six straight games when playing Boston. Of the last 10 head-to-head games, the Celtics have only covered in three but all three were on the road.

Dallas and Boston are 6-4 over their last 10 games ATS.

Tony's Pick: Take Dallas

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