2024 NBA Finals matchup locked in: Full schedule and how to watch

The Mavericks took care of the Timberwolves in dominant fashion on Thursday night in Minnesota, winning 124-103 to close out the Western Conference Finals 4-1. Dallas advances to their first Finals in 13 years where they’ll take on the Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics swept the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and cruised through the entire Eastern Conference playoffs, going 12-2. This sets up a dynamic Finals matchup starring Jayston Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Celtics seeking their first title against rising superstar Luka Doncic and his sidekick, former Celtic Kyrie Irving.

This is a tantalizing matchup with star power and storylines galore. There should be no shortage of drama, and we should be treated to some excellent basketball. The only unfortunate news is that since both teams closed out their respective series’ so early, we’ll have to wait a while for the fun to get underway.

Full NBA Finals schedule

Game 1: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Thursday, June 6, 6:30 MT

Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 9, 6 MT

Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Wednesday, June 12, 6:30 MT

Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Friday, June 14, 6:30 MT

Game 5: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Monday, June 17, 6:30 ET (If necessary)

Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Thursday, June 20, 6:30 MT (If necessary)

Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 23, 6 MT (If necessary)

By virtue of having the best record in the NBA this regular season, the Celtics will have homecourt advantage in the finals, they’ll host games 1 and 2, plus a potential game 7 at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics are seeking a record 18th championship; they last won in 2008 behind their big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.

The Mavericks won the franchise’s only title in 2011 when Dirk Nowitzki led the team on a heroic run that ended with them defeating LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Miami Heat in epic fashion.

Betting odds

The Celtics are currently -215 favorites to win the title while the Mavericks are +175 underdogs coming into the series.