The public believed in the Dallas Mavericks in a big way Thursday night, as 68% of the bets and money backed them to cover 6.5 points. In fact, it was the largest ticket percentage for an NBA Finals Game 1 for any underdog dating back to 2005.
Well, it turned out to be a massive swing-and-a-miss, as sportsbooks cleaned up in the Boston Celtics’ 107-89 demolition of the Mavericks.
So, how much has the market adjusted for Game 2?
It turns out just barely.
Boston opened between 7- and 7.5-point favorites after the final buzzer sounded to put Dallas out of its misery. Over the last 19 years, the team that won Game 1 of the NBA Finals is 10-9 straight up and 8-11 against the spread in Game 2.
Meanwhile, the total was set at 214.5 after 196 points were scored Thursday night. Game 1 opened at an identical 214.5 before closing at 217.5.
The Celtics took a 1-0 series lead thanks largely to a record-breaking first quarter. They led 37-20 after the first 12 minutes of action, and that 17-point differential was the largest first-quarter margin in NBA history. The Celtics led 63-42 at the half, and the 21-point lead was the third largest in Game 1 NBA Finals history. It was also the 13th-most for any half in Finals history.
The Mavericks managed to cut it to an eight-point game in the third quarter after trailing by as many as 29 points. However, Boston flexed its muscles once again, toying with Dallas the rest of the way en route to a 107-89 victory.
Game 2 tips off Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Evan Abrams contributed research for this article.
