PREVIEW: The Boston Celtics bring elite perimeter defense that limits three-point attempts, ranking second in the league at preventing quality looks from distance, while the Dallas Mavericks operate with a quick tempo but struggle with low-frequency three-point shooting at 35.2% attempts. Boston enters this matchup having won three of their last five games, while Dallas has dropped all five of their recent contests. The Celtics' league-best defense allowing just 107.1 points per game gives them a significant edge against a Mavericks team that sits 22nd in defensive efficiency at 117.7 points allowed. Boston dominates at home with a 20-10 record at TD Garden and has covered 15 of 30 spreads, while Dallas struggles on the road at just 7-20. The Mavericks are dealing with significant depth concerns, missing Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Marvin Bagley III, and Brandon Williams—losses that particularly impact their backcourt and rebounding, areas where Boston exploits opponents through physical rotations. Defensively, Dallas's notable strength lies in guarding shots attacking the rim, ranking fifth in the league, but they allow an abundance of those opportunities at 25th, creating a mixed defensive profile. In their previous meeting this season, Boston controlled the matchup convincingly, holding Dallas under 110 points while scoring over 115 in both of their head-to-head contests. The Celtics may also see a boost from Jayson Tatum, who was upgraded to questionable after recovering from an Achilles injury and has been participating in full-contact practice since the All-Star break.