The big picture

Boston Celtics come in 4th on the ladder; Dallas Mavericks are 12th. Boston Celtics have the higher position to protect.

Boston Celtics are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 114.8 points for and 105.1 against.

Dallas Mavericks are 5–4 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 112.1 points for and 110.9 against.

Form

Boston Celtics have won four of their last five and most recently beat Charlotte Hornets 119–80.

Dallas Mavericks have won three of their last five and most recently beat Utah Jazz 112–100.

Head to head

These sides have met 55 times on our records since 2002: Boston Celtics 25, Dallas Mavericks 30.

Last time out (2025-26), Boston Celtics won 120–100 at TD Garden.

Biggest margin between these two: Dallas Mavericks by 38 points in 2023-24 (122–84).

Players to watch

For Boston Celtics, watch Jayson Tatum (27.9 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Paul George (19.6 points a game, 44 rebounds in 2026-27).

For Dallas Mavericks, watch Cooper Flagg (23.9 points a game, 54 rebounds in 2026-27) and Kyrie Irving (21.4 points a game, 26 rebounds in 2026-27).

At TD Garden

Boston Celtics have won 18 of their last 23 at TD Garden.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Boston Celtics have the edge.