Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals Game 5 NBA expert predictions and odds (Will Bost win?

The Dallas Mavericks beat the Boston Celtics by 38 points in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, ensuring an extra day of basketball fun on Monday.

Now, Dallas is looking to extend the series by another game as it tries to become the first of 157 teams to overturn a 3-0 series deficit in the NBA playoffs.

The Celtics are now the overwhelming favorites as they return home, but Kristaps Porzingis' status remains unclear as he was active despite sitting out Game 4.

Boston was dominant for much of the series, but a Game 4 loss cast some doubt on how easily it could end. The Celtics haven't lost a playoff game at home since Game 2 of the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Let’s take a closer look at the odds, key players to watch, and my best bets on what could be the final game of the NBA season.

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Odds Via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Mavericks injury report

Celtics injury report

Dallas Mavericks

Derek Lively II: Derek Lively II recorded his second consecutive double-double for the Mavericks, dominating the rebounding in both games. Lively became the first rookie to record back-to-back double-doubles in the Finals since Magic Johnson. For Dallas to really have a chance to extend this series, he's going to have to dominate the rebounding, especially if Kristaps Porzingis shows up for Game 5. Lively has been a big factor for the Mavericks throughout the postseason and is arguably the main reason they've won their last two games.

Boston Celtics

Jaylen Brown: Brown, who was the favorite to be named Finals MVP heading into Game 4, struggled in Boston's blowout loss, scoring just 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Brown had a chance to win the Finals MVP award, but fortunately for Boston, the players didn't play well in the 38-point loss. The Celtics will be counting on Brown to do well so they don't have to return to Dallas for Game 6.

There are some very interesting trends for the Celtics coming into this game that line up with my predictions.

Since 2005, teams that have lost by 30 or more points in the NBA Finals are 4-0 straight up and 4-0 against the spread the next game.

Now, I'm not saying to bet on Boston based on this trend, but I do expect the Celtics to pull out a win at home.

Boston crumbled in Game 4, just not shooting the ball well at all, while Dallas' role players (P.J. Washington, Dante Exum, Derrick Jones Jr., etc.) played arguably their best game of the series on Friday.

I'm concerned about Dallas' offense, having been held under 100 points in each of the first three games of the series, and while the Mavs found that picking up the pace worked to their advantage in Game 4, I'm not convinced Boston can shoot 36.3 percent from the field again, especially at home.

The Celtics are 27-21-3 ATS as home favorites this season and expect to close out the Finals with a bang on Monday night.

Pick: Celtics -6.5 (-112)

Odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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Peter Dewey's Betting record here You can also follow my daily play BetStamp is here.