Final: Celtics 122, Mavs 107 - Derrick White gets going, 3-pointers fall

BOSTON CELTICS (31-14) at DALLAS MAVERICKS (24-21)

American Airlines Center, 5:30 p.m. - ABC

Line: Celtics -7.5

INJURIES

Boston: None

Dallas: Luka Doncic (OUT, calf), Dante Exum (OUT, wrist), Dereck Lively II (OUT, ankle), Naji Marshall (OUT, illness), Dwight Powell (OUT, hip)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Attack: Without Lively and Powell, Daniel Gafford is their only rim protector. I want to see drives, cuts, and ball movement to put Gafford in a blender and get him into foul trouble. If he picks up some early ones, the parade to the basket can continue. 

2. Blitz Kyrie Irving: He’s their biggest threat to score. The Celtics should come out aggressively blitzing him when they can and try to get the ball out of his hands. Also, the blitzing strategy is a good way to keep the team engaged as they work through their current struggles. 

3. Make shots: I think the Celtics can force some turnovers tonight, which will get them clean transition opportunities. I think they can step into a few trailing 3-pointers and get themselves going. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.