Mavericks vs Celtics odds, injury report, predictions, TV channel for Jan. 5

The Dallas Mavericks return home to host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. It is a TNT game between the team with the best record in the league against the team with the NBA’s current longest winning streak. The Mavs have won seven consecutive behind an otherworldly run from Luka Doncic.

Jayson Tatum and the Celtics have lost two straight and five of their last nine games. They are among the most talented teams in the league, and fans can expect them to be eager to get back on track against the Mavericks. Can they slow down Luka Doncic? If not, does Boston have enough to win a shootout?

The Celtics won the first meeting this season, despite a 42-point performance from Luka Doncic. Who gets the upper hand on Thursday night? Here is a look at the odds, injury report, and more on the contest.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics odds, spread, over/under

According to the FanDuel Sportsbook, the Mavs enter Thursday’s game at plus-120 on the moneyline, and the Celtics are 2.5-point favorites. The over/under for the contest is 229.0.

FanDuel set Luka’s over/under at 34.5 points for the Jan. 5 showdown against the Celtics. He exploded for 42 in the first meeting, and Doncic has topped 34 points in four straight and five of his last six games. Expect another monster night from number 77.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics injury report

Dorian Finney-Smith (adductor), Josh Green (elbow), and Maxi Kleber (hamstring) all remain out for the Mavericks. They are the only three players on their injury report.

The Celtics will be without Danilo Gallinari (knee), JD Davison (G League), and Mfiondu Kabengele (G League) on Thursday night.

Be sure to check social media closer to tipoff for any late-breaking news.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics how to watch

Start time: 6:30 p.m. CT or 7:30 p.m. ET

TV channels: TNT (National), NBC Sports Boston (Celtics local market)

How to watch online: TNT Overtime

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics predictions

Luka Doncic explodes for 38 points and narrowly misses a triple-double, but the Celtics snap the Mavericks' seven-game winning streak as Jayson Tatum answers with 34 points. The Celtics have too much firepower as Jaylen Brown nets 30 and Marcus Smart goes for 22 in the victory.

Christian Wood continues his strong play with 22 points and three blocks on Thursday night, but it is not enough as the Mavericks lose for the first time since Dec. 19.

Dallas Mavericks' next game and schedule

The Mavs begin a two-game homestand on Thursday night before heading on the road for five straight. Their schedule stiffens during that stretch, and here is a look at their next three games.

Jan. 7 vs New Orleans Pelicans at 7:00 p.m. CT

Jan. 8 at Oklahoma City Thunder at 6:00 p.m. CT

Jan. 10 at LA Clippers at 9:30 p.m. CT

Can the Dallas Mavericks get their eighth straight win by defeating the Celtics on Thursday evening? Expect Luka Doncic to stay locked in, but will it be enough to take down the team with the best record in the league? Be sure to tune in to find out.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.