The 2024 NBA Finals are set to begin on June 6. For the sixth consecutive season, a new champion will be crowned. This time, it will be between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks.
Both teams will compete for their first title in over a decade. Boston will look to add to its lore by winning title No. 18, which would be its first since 2008. Dallas will look to add title No. 2, which would be its first since 2011.
Both teams have had some luck to get to where they are, especially on the injury front. Injuries can make or break a team, and fortunately, both teams have been healthy enough to be the last two teams standing for the most part. As we’re only a few days away from Game 1, the status of a few key players from both sides has been revealed.
Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
Celtics star forward Kristaps Porzingis is on track to return to the lineup for Game 1. The seven-footer hasn’t appeared in a game since suffering a strained left calf in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Miami Heat on April 29.
Although Porzingis has missed some time, Bosotn has cruised through the Eastern Conference. Nonetheless, Boston will need all of Porzingis and then some if they want to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Porzingis has been vital to Boston’s success all season. The 28-year-old has averaged 20.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from behind the arc in 57 games. Porzingis will provide some three-point shooting and an intimidating shot-blocking presence in this highly anticipated series.
Dallas Mavericks rookie center Dereck Lively II should be good to go by Game 1. Lively II missed Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals due to a neck sprain.
However, he returned for Game 5 and played a vital role in the close-out game, splitting minutes at the center position with Daniel Gafford as a platoon. The 20-year-old has been vital in the Mavs finals run, averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 16 games.
Lively and Porzingis are essential to their respective teams being the final team standing. This NBA Finals is truly a toss-up. However, the Celtics are favored to win it all at -225, according to ESPN Bet. The Mavs sit with +180 odds to hoist the trophy.
Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has the best odds to win Finals MVP at -120, followed by Luka Doncic at +200, Jaylen Brown at +550, Kyrie Irving at 18-1 odds, and Derrick White with 33-1 odds to run off the top five. Game 1 is set for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
