The Dallas Mavericks will face the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at 7:30 p.m., where the team will look to fight off elimination and keep the hope for a historic comeback alive with a win.
Dallas is coming off a dominant win in Game 4 as it looks to become the first NBA team in history to recover from a 3-0 series deficit, with previous teams being 0-156 in those series, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The Mavericks have been led in this postseason by guard Luka Doncic. Through 21 playoff games, Doncic has topped the team’s rankings in nearly every statistical category, averaging 28.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals.
Although the Mavericks were one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA during the regular season, averaging 117.9 points through 82 games, the team’s calling card has been on the defensive side of the ball during this playoff run.
During these playoffs, Dallas’ defensive rating of 110.3. They held the opposition to under 110 points in 17 of their games.
This defensive effort has remained consistent for Dallas whether the games have been on the road or at home, which bodes well for the Mavericks as they will travel to Boston for the pivotal Game 5.
Dallas has also been fairly consistent in the win/loss column while playing at various arenas during this playoff run. The team is 6-4 at home and 7-4 playing on the road.
However, the Mavericks are matched up against a Celtics team that has been incredibly effective on its home court, winning 8 of the 10 games and shooting better from the field and three-point range while at home during this postseason.
The Mavericks enter Game 5 with just Doncic listed on the injury report due to a thoracic contusion, though he is listed as probable and is likely to suit up since he has played in multiple games this series with the same designation.
Boston only has center Kristaps Porzingis listed as questionable to play in Game 5 due to a lower leg injury suffered in Game 2.
Porzingis’ availability will likely be an unknown until the game gets closer to tipoff. He has missed the previous two games due to the injury.
A win in Game 5 would keep the Mavericks’ chances at a historic series comeback alive. A loss would end their season and secure the NBA championship for the Boston Celtics.