NBA Finals 2024 Experts predict Celtics-Mavericks Finals and ...

The 2024 NBA Finals are finally here, as the top-seeded Boston Celtics take on the No. 5-seeded Dallas Mavericks.

This is the first time these two teams have met in the Finals. To claim spots in the championship round, the Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals and the Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the West.

The highly anticipated series will feature a dynamic duo matchup between Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown -- any of whom could claim Finals MVP. Kristaps Porzingis will also make his return to the court after suffering a right calf strain in the first round.

Which team will raise the Larry O'Brien Trophy later this month? Ahead of Thursday's Game 1 inside Boston's TD Garden (8:30 ET on ABC), our NBA experts are predicting the series outcome, including which superstar will take home NBA Finals MVP honors.

MORE: Finals schedule and news | Top 12 players of the postseason

Kendra AndrewsMavericks in 6MVP: Kyrie Irving

Jerry BembryMavericks in 6MVP: Luka Doncic

Tim BontempsCeltics in 6MVP: Jayson Tatum

Jamal CollierCeltics in 6MVP: Jayson Tatum

Israel GutierrezMavericks in 6MVP: Luka Doncic

Chris HerringMavericks in 6MVP: Luka Doncic

Tim LeglerMavericks in 7MVP: Luka Doncic

Andrew LopezCeltics in 7MVP: Jayson Tatum

Zach LoweCeltics in 6MVP: Jayson Tatum

Bobby MarksMavericks in 6MVP: Kyrie Irving

Dave McMenaminMavericks in 6MVP: Luka Doncic

Kevin PeltonCeltics in 7MVP: Jayson Tatum

Omar RajaMavericks in 6MVP: Luka Doncic

Ramona ShelburneCeltics in 7MVP: Jayson Tatum

André SnellingsCeltics in 7MVP: Jayson Tatum

Marc J. SpearsCeltics in 7MVP: Jayson Tatum

Ohm YoungmisukMavericks in 7MVP: Luka Doncic

Final tally Winner: Mavericks 9, Celtics 8.Series MVP: Jayson Tatum 8, Luka Doncic 7, Kyrie Irving 2.