NBA Finals Odds and Betting Trends: Is it Worth Betting on the Mavericks to Come Back Against the Boston Celtics After Falling Behind 0-2?
Analyzing the most recent NBA Finals odds and betting patterns, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves down 0-2 in the series against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, as per the NBA odds provided by our top sports betting sites.
As the 2024 NBA Finals began, the Dallas Mavericks found themselves in a tough position against the Boston Celtics, who had been the favorites to win the championship throughout the season. After just two games, the Mavericks were on the verge of making unwanted history.
In the history of the NBA Finals, only five teams have managed to come back from an 0-2 series deficit. The Milwaukee Bucks (2021), Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and Miami Heat (2006) are the only teams to accomplish this feat in the last 45 years.
The Mavericks are currently listed at +650 on our top NBA betting sites to win four of the next five games and become one of the few teams to overcome a 0-2 deficit in the NBA Finals. Will they make a historic comeback and surprise bettors, or will they simply be a forgotten chapter in basketball history?
The betting odds for the NBA Finals series winner in Game 3.
Current odds from our top sportsbooks as of Monday, June 10th.
| Market | Mavericks | Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Series winner | +650 via BetMGM | -800 via Caesars |
| Series spread | +2.5 games (+125 via BetMGM) | -2.5 games (-140 via bet365) |
| Total games | Over 5.5 games (+130 via Caesars) | Under 5.5 games (-140 via bet365) |
| Game 3 moneyline | -122 via FanDuel | +105 via BetMGM |
| Game 3 spread | -1.5 (-110 via DraftKings) | +1.5 (-105 via BetMGM) |
| Finals MVP favorite | Luka Doncic (+750 via bet365) | Jayson Tatum (+140 via FanDuel) |
Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receiving them. This offer is only available to new customers. Other terms and conditions may also apply.
This content is not meant for use by MAAffiliate disclosure: Underscoreg Review may earn advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook.
Which NBA Finals teams have come back from a 0-2 deficit?
There’s no way around it: the Mavericks face a challenging and historically difficult path ahead, and it will require an extraordinary effort to come out victorious in the series.
Out of 36 teams, only five (13.9%) have managed to come back from an 0-2 series deficit and win the NBA Finals. Interestingly, teams in this situation are more likely to get swept (25%) than to win the series or force a Game 7 (13.9%).
Losing the first two games is not a guarantee of defeat. The Bucks’ 2021 comeback against the Suns, following the Cavaliers’ 2016 victory over the Warriors, shows that teams can still triumph after a slow start. Kyrie Irving’s clutch shot in Game 7 sealed the deal for the Cavs.
The Mavericks experienced a similar comeback in 2006, when Dwyane Wade guided the Miami Heat to a 4-2 series victory. This marked the first time since 1977, when Bill Walton led the Portland Trail Blazers to their sole title, and Bill Russell assisted the Boston Celtics in overcoming an 0-2 deficit for his last championship in 1969.
Out of the 36 teams that have been down 0-2 in the NBA Finals, only five were able to achieve success in this historically challenging spot. The remaining 31 teams were not as fortunate. Here is an overview of how these 36 teams performed after falling behind 0-2 in the NBA Finals.
NBA Finals teams trailing 0-2
| Series result | Times | Last time | 2024 odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lose in four games (0-4) | 9 | 2018 Cavaliers vs. Warriors | +320 via bet365 |
| Lose in five games (1-4) | 7 | 2017 Cavaliers vs. Warriors | +205 via DraftKings |
| Lose in six games (2-4) | 12 | 2020 Heat vs. Lakers | +500 via BetMGM |
| Lose in seven games (3-4) | 3 | 2005 Pistons vs. Spurs | +500 via BetMGM |
| Win in six games (4-2) | 3 | 2021 Bucks vs. Suns | +2000 via Caesars |
| Win in seven games (4-3) | 2 | 2016 Cavaliers vs. Warriors | +1100 via bet365 |
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
How many NBA playoff teams have come back from a 0-2 deficit?
The outlook for teams in the NBA Finals has been grim, but it’s been even bleaker for those who are down 0-2 in the NBA playoffs overall.
In NBA postseason history, just 34 out of 458 teams (7.4%) have managed to overcome an 0-2 series deficit. When looking specifically at seven-game series, the success rate improves slightly to 28 out of 350 teams (8%), with 14 teams winning in six games and 14 teams winning in seven games.
One of the 28 teams in the 2022 NBA playoffs was the Mavericks, led by Doncic. They made a comeback against the Suns in the second round. However, their magic ran out in the next round as the Warriors dominated with a 3-0 series lead and ultimately won 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals.
Only two teams have managed to overcome a 0-2 series deficit since then: the Warriors in last year’s first round and the Indiana Pacers in this year’s second round. Out of the fourteen other teams that attempted to do so, none were successful, resulting in a 12.5% success rate.
Luka Doncic’s record falls to 0-2 in NBA playoffs.
Although this is Doncic’s debut in the NBA Finals, he is no stranger to being down 0-2 in a playoff series.
As previously stated, the Slovenian player guided the Mavericks to victory against the Suns in 2022, winning the series 4-3 despite losing the first two games. He scored 26 points in Game 3 and had an average of 32.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 47.6% shooting. In the decisive Game 7, he put on a masterful performance with 35 points.
Despite his impressive performance in the previous series, he struggled to replicate that success against the Warriors, averaging 32 points on 41.5% shooting in a series that ended in a gentleman’s sweep. However, he did manage to score 40 points in Game 3. Fans can bet on him repeating that feat on Wednesday with odds of +350 via FanDuel.
Only new customers are eligible for this offer. To qualify, deposit a minimum of $5 and place your first bet of $5 or more. If your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
Is it wise to bet on the Mavericks when they are down 0-2 in the NBA Finals?
The Mavericks’ historical record makes them an intriguing choice for bettors as they attempt to overcome a 0-2 series deficit in the NBA Finals.
In Game 3, their chances of winning the series stand at +650 according to BetMGM, indicating a 13.3% implied probability based on our odds converter. While a $10 bet would pay out $65, this odds are lower than the 13.9% win rate of the previous 36 teams in a similar position in NBA Finals history. Additionally, it falls well below the 8% success rate for all NBA teams trailing 0-2 in a best-of-seven series.
If Dallas had shown promising signs in the first two games that would justify overlooking past results and believing in a potential comeback, it would be reasonable to do so. However, this is not the case. The Celtics have outscored the Mavericks by a total of 25 points in the first two games and have effectively neutralized the strengths of the Mavericks’ team.
The Celtics are the underdogs by 1.5 points against the Mavericks in Game 3, scheduled to start on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. In recent history, home favorites who are down 0-2 in the NBA Finals have won six consecutive games since 2003. There have been two instances in the past decade where teams have come back to win the championship after losing the first two games of the series. Richardson Lilliana is backing Boston with his player props for Game 3 between the Celtics and Mavericks.
Will Doncic be able to tap into his inner Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron James to lead his team to victory? He has already made history by becoming the sixth player in NBA history, and the first since Michael Jordan in 1991, to score 30 or more points in his first two NBA Finals games. The latest NBA Finals MVP odds have him priced as high as +750 via bet365, making him a compelling choice in one of the top sportsbook promotions of the postseason.
In order for the Mavericks to make history and defeat the Celtics, he will need to perform like a MVP. This feat has been achieved in the past, and if Doncic reaches his full potential, he has the opportunity to create even more history in his debut NBA Finals.
2024 NBA Finals schedule
| Game | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | American Airlines Center (Dallas) | Wednesday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) |
| 4 | American Airlines Center (Dallas) | Friday, June 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) |
| 5 | TD Garden (Boston) | Monday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) |
| 6 | American Airlines Center (Dallas) | Thursday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) |
| 7 | TD Garden (Boston) | Sunday, June 23 at 8 p.m. ET (ABC) |
NBA Finals FAQ
Has any team ever overcome a 0-2 deficit in the NBA Finals?
In the history of the NBA Finals, only five teams have managed to overcome an 0-2 series deficit to claim victory. The most recent team to achieve this feat was the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks, who defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games to secure their first championship in half a century.
What is the percentage of NBA teams that have successfully come back from an 0-2 series deficit?
Out of 36 teams, only five (13.9%) have overcome an 0-2 series deficit to win the NBA Finals. When considering the entire postseason, 34 out of 458 teams (7.4%) have successfully come back from being down 0-2 in the NBA playoffs. In a seven-game series, 28 out of 350 teams (8%) have achieved the same feat.
In NBA playoffs, how many teams have faced a 0-3 deficit?
Throughout the NBA playoffs, 156 teams have faced a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven series. Every one of those teams ended up losing the series, with three teams managing to push it to a Game 7 before ultimately being defeated. Interestingly, none of these comebacks happened in the NBA Finals.
Has a team ever been swept in the NBA Finals?
In the NBA Finals, nine teams have been swept, with the most recent being the 2021 Cleveland Cavaliers by the Golden State Warriors. This marked the only four-game sweep in the NBA Finals in the past 15 years and only the third since 2000.
These are our top NBA betting sites:
- Check out our Caesars Review and use the promo code SBRBONUS1000 to get exclusive offers.
- BetMGM Review: Use Bonus Code SBRBONUS
- Use the bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS and check out our bet365 Review.
- BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Check out our BetRivers Review
- Check out our FanDuel Review and use our FanDuel Promo Code
- Get a DraftKings Promo Code and check out our DraftKings Review
*Bonuses are not available for residents of Ontario. If you are over 21 and have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related pages
- Top Sports Betting Sites with the Best Promotions for Underscored Events (Exclusive to U.S. Customers)
Related Articles
