On an average Friday night this season, a meeting between a contending Boston Celtics squad and a rebuilding Dallas Mavericks group probably wouldn’t grab the attention of the NBA world. Tonight is different, though. There’s an energy around TD Garden as superstar Jayson Tatum is set to take the floor for the first time this year, just 298 days removed from a torn Achilles that ended his and the Celtics’ postseason run in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Tonight, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Boston as a 14.5-point favorite at home with staggering -1050 odds to win on the Moneyline. The game total is set at 225.5 combined points.
Here are the top Mavericks vs. Celtics prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for this matchup.
Best Mavericks vs. Celtics player prop bets
Jayson Tatum under 12.5 points (-121)
I know, I know… you may be calling me a hater for fading Tatum with the under on his points line tonight. Let me get this out of the way — I absolutely love watching the star play and I’m quite glad that he’s set to return tonight. The NBA is simply better with him on the floor.
The wonders of modern medicine are incredible, especially as Tatum’s recovery time of 9.9 months is tied for the seventh-shortest of any player to return from a torn Achilles since at least 2000, and probably before that as well. While the multi-time All-NBA honoree said in a viral clip that he isn’t coming back to be a role player, that doesn’t mean he’ll play without restrictions as he hits the floor for the first time since May 12, 2025. A minutes limit seems highly likely for Tatum as he reacclimates to game speed over the next couple of weeks, especially in the coming days. Given that this contest comes against a lowly Mavericks roster that’s 12th in the Western Conference at 21-41 and riding a five-game losing streak, it also feels as though the Celtics’ staff can afford to take things extra easily tonight, too. It’s not like Boston needs him to win, after all.
The reality of a likely restriction on his workload along with the rust from a long layoff (in terms of real competitive action) means a lower-scoring night is likely in the cards for Tatum tonight. He should get some shots up as the C’s look to get him involved, but there’s no telling how much he’ll actually see the floor and how his shot feels as well. Salute to the superstar, but there are simply too many unknowns to feel confident in the over.
Cooper Flagg 4+ assists (+134)
While not quite the same story that Tatum’s return is, the Mavericks just got Cooper Flagg back from an eight-game absence last night. The reigning No. 1 pick hadn’t played since prior to the All-Star break back on February 10 due to a midfoot sprain, and while his efficiency left much to be desired in his first game back, he did get see nearly 26 minutes of action with 18 points. I’m not looking to target his scoring tonight though.
Instead, Flagg’s assists market looks a bit more robust. The rookie averages 4.2 dimes a night this season across 50 appearances and operates with a team-high usage rate of 25.0%. While an assist percentage of 23.8% is pretty pedestrian, it is actually on par with that of Steph Curry this season. That serves as some encouragement for Flagg’s ability as a playmaker, but that’s not all.
Over the course of 17 games since January 1, Flagg averages 4.5 assists with at least four dimes in 11 of those contests. That’s a very reliable hit rate, not to mention that the rookie forward has recorded four or more assists in 29/50 contests overall this season. Sure, the Mavericks’ injury report is extensive, but there will be scoring even against a strong Boston defense and Flagg will have the ball in his hands plenty.
