When Will the NBA Finals Start and Who Are the Instant Favorites?

Boston Celtics v Dallas Mavericks
(Photo : Tim Heitman/Getty Images) DALLAS, TEXAS - Jayson Tatum (#0) of the Boston Celtics goes to the basket against Luka Doncic (#77) of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on January 22, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

The NBA Finals are set.

It will be the Dallas Mavericks against the Boston Celtics for the coveted NBA title.

The Mavs became the Eastern Conference finals winner after taking care of business against the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who was adjudged the Western Conference Finals MVP.

Read more: Celtics Reach NBA Finals - 5 Interesting Storylines to Follow as Boston Swings for 18th Championship

The Celtics haven't won a championship since 2008, while the Mavericks last lifted the Larry O'Brien in 2011 during the Dirk Nowitzki era. 

NBA Finals Schedule

How to Watch

All games will be broadcasted live on ABC starting June 6th up until June 23rd, if necessary. The NBA Finals Broadcast will be exclusive to ABC and ESPN, check with your local television stations for more specific channel info. 

If you plan to watch the 2024 NBA Finals on the go, you can tune into the ABC or the ESPN App to stream the broadcast. If you'd prefer to just listen in, the Finals will be on channel 86, NBA Radio, on Sirius XM, or on one of your local stations' channels.

When to Watch

The Boston Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers in the East Finals, and by the time the championship round started, they had already spent ten days of rest.

After finishing the regular season as the No. 1 seed, they also have the home-court advantage.

Here's the full NBA Finals schedule and where fans can watch them.

Game 1: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 6 (8:30 p.m., ABC) 

Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 9 (8 p.m., ABC) 

Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks, June 12 (8:30 p.m., ABC) 

Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks, June 14 (8:30 p.m., ABC) 

Game 5 & 6: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 17 (8:30 p.m., ABC)* 

Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks, June 20 (8:30 p.m., ABC)* 

Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics, June 23 (8 p.m., ABC)*

*If necessary

Who are the early favorites according to betting odds? 

Kristaps Porzingis - Indiana Pacers v Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 01: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on November 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

There is still no confirmation whether Kristaps Porzingis will be able to join his team in the Finals.

Despite that, the Celtics are already the overwhelming favorites.

ESPN Bet has the Celtics chances at -225 while the Mavs' winning chances are at +180.

Related article: Luka Doncic's 1st Quarter Explosion in Game 5 Apparently Due to Timberwolves Fan's Actions

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