The Celtics are coming off maybe their most frustrating loss of the season, blowing a 24-point second half lead in a 120-115 overtime loss to the Pelicans this past Sunday. 
Boston is far from in peak form. The Celtics desperately miss underrated injured guard Marcus Smart. But the Celtics have the coaching with Brad Stevens and firepower with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker to bounce back in what shapes up as a character test for them. Boston usually is good in this role covering seven of the past nine times following a defeat. 
Dallas is in action for only the second time since Feb. 14. The Mavericks defeated the Grizzlies, 102-92, at home last night. The Celtics are a step up for Dallas.
The Mavericks' last eight games have been against mediocre-to-bad teams. The last time Dallas played a strong team was the Suns back on Feb. 1. The Mavericks are 2-9 SU, 3-8 ATS versus above average teams this season. They also are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 home games.