Following an action-packed NBA season that saw an exciting new in-season tournament, stunning head coaching changes, and shocking playoff upsets, we’ve reached the NBA Finals. In some ways, the matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks is emblematic of the entire season. In the Eastern Conference, Boston was utterly dominant, both in the regular season (where they finished with 64 wins, the fourth-most in franchise history) and the playoffs, where they’ve only lost two games in three rounds, none on the road. But in the hugely competitive Western Conference, things were much more unpredictable. Despite entering the season with +2500 odds to win the Championship, the Mavericks discovered great chemistry between not only their two superstars (Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving) but their young players and trade-deadline acquisitions. The result is the team’s first NBA Finals appearance since Dirk Nowitzki led them to glory in 2011.
To get your ready for the series, which tips-off Thursday, June 9 on ABC, here’s how to watch the NBA Finals with DISH, plus the schedule, odds, and more. Not a DISH subscriber? Follow this link to find the best offer and subscribe to DISH today!
What is the NBA Finals Schedule?
Game 1 of the Finals gets underway Thursday, June 6 at 8:30pm ET on ABC. Here’s the full schedule; check your guide for the channel of your local ABC affiliate.
- Game 1: Mavericks at Celtics, Thursday, June 6 (8:30 ET)
- Game 2: Mavericks at Celtics, Sunday, June 9 (8 ET)
- Game 3: Celtics at Mavericks, Wednesday, June 12 (8:30 ET)
- Game 4: Celtics at Mavericks, Friday, June 14 (8:30 ET)
- Game 5: Mavericks at Celtics, Monday, June 17 (8:30 ET)*
- Game 6: Celtics at Mavericks, Thursday, June 20 (8:30 ET)*
- Game 7: Mavericks at Celtics, Sunday, June 23 (8 ET)*
*If necessary
Who is the Broadcasting Team For the NBA Finals?
Mike Breen will once again be the main play-by-play announcer for the NBA Finals, a role he’s filled on ABC since taking over for Al Michaels in 2006 (Breen did miss two games of the 2022 Finals due to COVID-19 protocols). However, Breen will have new partners at the desk this year. Hall of Fame broadcaster Doris Burke is set to become the first woman to work as a game analyst on a men’s major championship (follow this link to see her reaction to this historic accomplishment). Doris will be joined by former NBA star J.J. Reddick as the color commentator. Lisa Salters will once again be sideline reporter, while former ref Steve Javie will return as rules analyst.
What are the Odds For Each Team and MVP?
As of the morning before Game 1, DraftKings lists the Celtics as -210 favorites (meaning you’d have to wager $210 to win $100), with the Mavericks fetching +175 odds (a $100 bet would pay out $275). As for Finals MVP favorites, Boston’s Jayson Tatum currently has the shortest odds to win, but with the depth on both teams, there are a number of intriguing players and options on the list:
NBA Finals MVP Odds (per DraftKings)
Jayson Tatum (-115)
Luka Doncic (+205)
Jaylen Brown (+605)
Kyrie Irving (+2200)
Kristaps Porzingis (+3500)
Derrick White (+3500)
Jrue Holiday (+5000)
P.J. Washington (+30000)
Who Are the Starters For the Celtics and Mavericks?
As mentioned above, both teams are loaded with talented players, both in the starting five and coming off the bench. Here are the projected starting rosters for both teams, along with bench players who are likely to get some minutes:
Boston Celtics Starters
Jrue Holiday – PG
Derrick White – SG
Jayson Tatum – PF
Jaylen Brown – SF
Kristaps Porzingis – C
Bench
Payton Pritchard – PG
Sam Hauser – SF
Al Horford – PF/ C
Luke Kornet – C
Dallas Mavericks Starters
Luka Doncic – PG
Kyrie Irving – SG
P.J. Washington – PF
Derrick Jones – SF
Daniel Gafford – C
Bench
Josh Green – SG
Dereck Lively – C
Maxi Kleber – PF
Dante Exum – G
Jaden Hardy – G
Tim Hardaway Jr. – SF
