This Eastern vs. Western Conference matchup pits the Boston Celtics, who are in playoff contention, against the struggling Dallas Mavericks, who are on a four-game losing streak. The Celtics, without star Jayson Tatum, will rely on Jaylen Brown’s scoring, while the Mavericks look to rookie sensation Cooper Flagg for a spark at home.
Venue Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas.
This arena seats approximately 20,332 fans and is known for its high-energy crowds during Mavericks games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT / 1:00 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on NBC/Peacock, KFAA, and NBCS-BOS, with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum (SF/PF) – Out (Achilles/Torn right Achilles tendon).
Tatum’s absence is a major blow to Boston’s scoring and defense; re-evaluation pending.
Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis (PF) – Out/Day-to-Day (Finger/Hand); Kyrie Irving (SG) – Out (Knee); Dante Exum (PG) – Out (Knee); Dereck Lively II (C) – Out (Foot); P.J. Washington (PF) – Day-to-Day (Head).
The Mavericks’ frontcourt and backcourt are severely depleted, impacting rebounding and playmaking.
Key Player Matchups
With key injuries on both sides, expect adjusted lineups focusing on perimeter scoring for Boston and rookie contributions for Dallas. This could lead to a fast-paced game with emphasis on three-point shooting.
| Matchup | Celtics Player | Mavericks Player | Notes |
| Point Guard | Jrue Holiday (15.2 PPG, 6.5 APG) | Luka Doncic (if available; otherwise fill-in ~10 PPG) | Holiday’s defense vs. Doncic’s playmaking (if playing); Celtics exploit backcourt depth issues. |
| Shooting Guard | Derrick White (16.8 PPG) | Klay Thompson (17.5 PPG) | Shooting duel; White’s two-way play could limit Thompson. |
| Small Forward | Jaylen Brown (23.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG) | Naji Marshall (12.1 PPG) | Brown’s scoring threat vs. Marshall’s energy; key for transition. |
| Power Forward | Sam Hauser (filling in, 9.5 PPG) | Cooper Flagg (rookie, ~20 PPG) | Flagg’s versatility vs. Hauser’s shooting; mismatch potential for Mavs. |
| Center | Al Horford (10.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG) | Daniel Gafford (11.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG) | Veteran battle; Horford’s spacing vs. Gafford’s rim protection. Bench: Celtics’ Payton Pritchard (scoring) vs. Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber (defense). |
Recent Team Forms
Boston Celtics: 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 112.5 PPG while allowing 108.2 PPG.
On a two-game win streak, including a 112-93 victory over Sacramento; strong defense (top-5) but recent ATS struggles (2-4 in last 6). Jaylen Brown averaging 30 PPG lately.
Dallas Mavericks: 3-7 in their last 10 games, on a four-game losing streak, averaging 108.9 PPG while allowing 116.4 PPG.
Recent losses include blowouts; Cooper Flagg providing highlights (27 PPG recently), but injuries have hampered consistency.
Series History
The all-time series favors the Celtics with a 52-38 record in 90 regular-season meetings.
Boston has won 7 of the last 10 encounters, including a split in the 2025 season series. The Celtics are 4-1 in their last five visits to Dallas. Notably, Boston defeated Dallas in the 2024 NBA Finals 4-1, adding rivalry intensity.
Betting Trends
Celtics: 27-20-2 ATS overall; 2-4 ATS in last 6; 5-2 SU in last 7. Under in 5 of last 5 games.
Mavericks: 22-27 ATS overall; strong 2H spread covers (32 of 50, +11.43 units).
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 7.5
Dallas Mavericks 223.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
