<p><em>The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are in contrasting form, but is this upcoming meeting set to abide by the formbook when it is played?</em></p><p>The Celtics will host the Mavs at the TD Garden on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 AEDT, having been in a positive run of form heading into the meeting. The Mavs, on the other hand, haven't been enjoying the best of times on the court.</p><p>Still, as we know in the NBA, games are competitive, and almost anything can happen in any game…</p><h2>Quick Picks</h2><p><strong>Our pick:</strong> Celtics to win</p><p><strong>Value bet:</strong> Brown to have 25+ points</p><p><strong>Long shot:</strong> Gafford to have a double-double</p><h2>Betting Preview</h2><p>As of writing, the Celtics have enjoyed a recent spell of at least three consecutive wins. They are closing the gap on the Detroit Pistons at the top of the Eastern Conference, but still remain a few games behind.</p><p>They have been on a run as solid as 8-2 over the last 10 games, picking up the type of form that will make them legitimate NBA Championship contenders. Things may only get better for them as Jayson Tatum edges nearer to a return.</p><p>For the Mavericks, the postseason looks unlikely. They've recently encountered a skid of four consecutive losses, putting them 2-8 over their last 10. A team as hot as the Celtics isn't quite what they need at this point in the regular season.</p><p>Looking at the figures more closely, Boston are 20-9 when playing at home. The Mavs are 7-20 on the road. These figures suggest the formbook could be followed on Saturday…</p><h2>Betting Markets to Watch</h2><p><strong>Boston will be big favourites to win</strong> this game, given their recent record at home and overall play. Indeed, there won't be many that fancy the Mavs in this game, which will likely be reflected in the moneyline odds.</p><p>Still, there is value to be had elsewhere…</p><p>The two faced each other in February, with the Celtics winning 110-100. Cooper Flagg had 36 points in that game, but it's likely to have come too early for the rookie due to injury. <strong>Daniel Gafford had a double-double</strong>, as he scored 10 points and 12 rebounds. He has had six this year, including against the Spurs immediately after the Celtics game. A <strong>double-double is a long shot</strong>, but worth value. If you're wondering <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/what-is-a-triple-double">what is a triple-double in basketball</a>, it's when a player reaches double digits in three statistical categories.</p><p><strong>Jaylen Brown</strong> had 33 points in the game. In the middle of an outstanding season, he will be worth value in the points market. Averaging ~29 points this season, we think <strong>25+ points</strong> will offer value as he has consistently hit this number without reaching 30+ in his recent outings.</p><h2>Our Prediction</h2><p>Check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba">NBA betting odds</a> at Sportsbet.</p><p>We believe that a <strong>Celtics win is the most likely outcome</strong>. We think they'll be too strong for the Mavs and have been picking up strong, consistent form in recent matches as we surge closer to the postseason. With <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/events/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs betting</a> on the horizon, this is exactly the kind of form Boston needs. The Mavs have been poor throughout the season, especially when on the road.</p><h2>Keep Reading</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-the-nba">Everything you need to know before betting on the NBA</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/tips">Our latest NBA tips and predictions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/how-to-stream-the-nba">How to catch NBA games from Australia without missing a tip-off</a></li></ul>