Celtics vs. Mavericks Game 4 prediction: NBA Finals odds, picks, best bets

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After helping the Mavericks nearly erase a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 3, Luka Doncic fouled out with 4 minutes and 12 seconds remaining.

Unsurprisingly, the Celtics were able to steal a seven-point road victory to extend both their undefeated road playoff record (7-0) and NBA Finals series lead (3-0).

No team has ever fought back from a 0-3 deficit in any series, let alone the NBA Finals. Can the Mavericks become the first team to accomplish the feat, starting with a home win in Game 4, or will the C’s taste blood in the water and slam the door shut?

NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavericks Game 4 odds

• Spread: Celtics +1.5 (-120), Mavericks -1.5 (+100)
• Moneyline: Celtics -105, Mavericks -115
• Total: Over 211.5 (-110), Under 211.5 (-110)

Odds via BetMGM

NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Mavericks Game 4 prediction & pick

Dallas threw its biggest punch in Game 3, hoping to connect and make the NBA Finals more competitive. The Mavs now hope to avoid a sweep.

Doncic helped Dallas climb back from a 21-point deficit in the final 12 minutes, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists before fouling out of the game.

Kyrie Irving finished with a series-high 35 points to lead the Mavs in scoring, and Dereck Lively II posted a double-double to give Dallas a chance to hang around with the highly efficient Celtics offense.

Can Dallas muster up enough energy to steal one game at home and retain some of its pride? Not likely.

The Mavs are getting an historically poor effort from Doncic on the defensive end of the floor. Per ESPN, Doncic has the highest blow-by percentage allowed (67.7%) on drives in a playoff series (a minimum of 10 drivers defended per game) in the last decade.

Beyond Doncic’s defensive struggles, it is challenging to see what the Mavs can drastically change between Game 3 and Game 4 to make this series competitive again or, at least, steal one win away from Boston.

The C’s increased their record to 36-4 (7-0 in the playoffs) in games this season in which at least 50% of their field goal attempts come from behind the arc. Further, they continued their perimeter effort defensively, not allowing Dallas to get clean looks from 3-point land.

Once again, the Mavs attempted far fewer 3s (25) in Game 3 than their season average (40). And the Celtics didn’t need Kristaps Porzingis (questionable for Game 4) to do it. Everyone has just elevated their individual isolation defense, including players like Sam Hauser, who is certainly not in the NBA because of his defense.

Expect the C’s to complete the sweep on Friday night.

Pick: Celtics moneyline (-105, bet365)