+185 Underdogs? Why Betting on the Mavericks Could Be a Genius Move
We will get to Kyrie Irving, but the Dallas Mavericks case for pulling an upset to win the NBA Finals starts and ends with Luka Doncic. Despite the star power, the Mavs are still +185 underdogs to upset the Boston Celtics in our NBA odds.
All this reminds me of the scene from “Bad Teacher” where actor Jason Segel is arguing with a kid about who would win in a game between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Segel points to Jordan’s six championships.

“That’s your only argument?” the kid asks.
“It’s the only argument I need,” Segel yells.
You could do worse than banking on Doncic being the lone reason the Mavs pull off the upset at BetUS sportsbook. As an added bonus, let’s take a look at a few more reasons why Dallas can win the NBA Finals.
Also, here’s the funny scene from “Bad Teacher.”
Reason No. 1: Luka Doncic Is Cold-Blooded on the Hardwood
By now, we have all seen Doncic trash-talking fans, opponents, and anyone who will listen. Few players are more annoying when it comes to the constant complaining to officials.
The wait for the NBA Finals to begin has been “entirely too long” for @notthefakeSVP.
Which team does he have winning it all? 👀 pic.twitter.com/QSzxepFMo3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 5, 2024
Yet, Doncic is one of the best NBA players when it comes to clutch situations. There is no higher stakes game than the NBA Finals as Doncic makes his debut performance on basketball’s biggest stage.
Luka Doncic: a MAGICIAN with the ball fake 🪄💫 pic.twitter.com/s18usl03Ey
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Heading into the finals, Doncic is averaging a near triple-double in the NBA playoffs, posting 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. All this despite him shooting a less-than-ideal 34.3% from long range.
Doncic was even more lethal in the Western Conference Finals. The superstar averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds. 8.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 43.4% from behind the arc.
Reason No. 2: Kyrie Irving Is So Back and Ready for Revenge
Irving went through a weird period where he did not seem to be super pumped to be playing basketball. This led to being a bit of a villain for opposing fans.
Kyrie Irving on his relationship with the Jays:
“They’ve improved tremendously. I’m nothing short of proud of those guys. Left a lot of good wisdom with them. I tried to give as much advice as I could while I was in Boston.”
Respect 🫡🫡
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) June 3, 2024
The joy seemed to have returned, and so did Irving’s elite play. Doncic deserves to be the A-side of this duo, but there may not be a better B-side in the league than Irving.
During the Western Conference Finals, the exciting guard averaged 27 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5% from the three-point line.
Now, Irving faces a Celtics fan base that has not exactly been kind. Irving admitted that he may have amped up some of the venom.
“I’m built for these moments, to be able to handle circumstances like that, and I’ve been able to grow since then,” Irving noted, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “So of course it’s going to be a hectic environment, but I’m looking forward to it and I see it as a healthy relationship that I have with the fans.
Kyrie Irving has never been afraid of the big stage 🏆
Take a look at the top plays from Kyrie in past NBA Finals matchups ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/NTv9rawHXZ
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
“I almost think about ‘Gladiator,’ just winning the crowd over. It is good to hear the TD Garden silent when you’re playing well. They still respect great basketball.”
Take A Look At These Other 2 NBA Special Articles
- We Miss Dynasties! Why Parity Is Bad for the NBA… and Bettors
- NBA Finals: Kristaps Porzingis & Celtics Dominate Mavericks in Game 1
Reason No. 3: The Mavericks Have Been More Tested Than the Celtics
There is also the reality that the Mavericks have had a much more challenging path to the NBA Finals than the Celtics.
Boston opened against a Heat team without Jimmy Butler. Then the Celtics faced a Cavaliers team that was no match. Finally, Boston squared off against the Pacers who were without star guard Tyrese Haliburton to close out the series.
“If you’re being tested by Andrew Nembhard and Isaiah Jackson, what are you gonna do when you play [Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic]?”
Amin Elhassan doesn’t think the Celtics have been tested enough going into the NBA Finals 👀
(via @allthesmokeprod)pic.twitter.com/l83P5W6vZ3
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2024
The Mavericks made the finals despite being the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. Dallas eliminated James Harden and Paul George’s Clippers in the first round.
The Mavs then upset the No. 1 seeded Thunder in the second round. Finally, the Mavericks made short work of a red-hot Timberwolves led by Anthony Edwards in the Western Conference Finals.
Dallas took advantage of the NBA trade deadline by acquiring two key pieces: Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. The question is whether Irving and Doncic can still thrive against arguably the best defensive team they have faced in Boston.
If you are bullish on the Mavs, you can take either Doncic (+210) or Irving (+1400) to win the NBA Finals MVP award in our basketball odds.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Questions of the Day
Who is the favorite to win the NBA Finals?
The Boston Celtics are -225 favorites to win the NBA Finals versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Who is the favorite to win the NBA Finals MVP award?
Jayson Tatum is the favorite to win the NBA Finals MVP at -115.