Celtics at Mavericks preview: Boston opens two-game Texas swing in Dallas

The Celtics enter Tuesday’s contest on a two-game winning streak. They are tied with the Knicks for first place in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference.
Boston dominated the Bucks last time out, led by Jaylen Brown’s 30 points and season-high 13 boards in Sunday’s 107-79 win.
The game tips off at 8 p.m. in Dallas and on NBC. Here’s a preview.
When: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
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Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
TV, radio: NBC, NBCSB, Peacock, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Boston -6.5. O/U: 223.0.
CELTICS
Season record: 31-18. vs. spread: 27-22. Over/under: 19-30
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 6-4. Over/under: 2-8
MAVERICKS
Season record: 19-30. vs. spread: 23-25, 1 push. Over/under: 21-27, 1 push
Last 10 games: 5-5. vs. spread: 7-3. Over/under: 5-5
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Boston 116.1, Dallas 114.1
Points allowed per game: Boston 109.1, Dallas 116.6
Field goal percentage: Boston .469, Dallas .472
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .444, Dallas .461
3-point percentage: Boston .367, Dallas .344
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .362, Dallas .336
Stat of the day: Jaylen Brown has averaged 9.6 rebounds in his last seven games to up his season average to 6.9.
Notes: The Celtics will close out their Texas swing at Houston when they take on the Rockets on Wednesday before returning to TD Garden for a three-game homestand, beginning Friday with the Heat and continuing with a Super Bowl Sunday matinee against the Knicks. … Jaylen Brown is the fourth-leading scorer in the league at 29.4 points per game. … Flagg followed up his record-breaking performance against the Hornets by pouring in 34 in a 111-107 loss Saturday at the Rockets. “That’s how he’s built,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s built to win. He’s going to try to do everything to help his team win. He’s done that all season.” … Despite Flagg’s impressive numbers, the Mavericks enter Tuesday’s contest on a four-game losing streak. They will be without forward P.J. Washington, who is in concussion protocol after he was struck by an accidental elbow from teammate Naji Marshall against Houston.
Follow Andrew Mahoney @GlobeMahoney.




