Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Spread Info

The 4-4 Boston Celtics are set to host the 5-5 Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in what looks to be a battle between the league's elite. With that said, though, both teams have struggled out of the blocks and are playing below expectations at .500 ball.

Dallas won the NBA Championship for the first time last season and may be experiencing a bit of a hangover. The Mavs have basically been wiped out by some of the NBA's better teams this season, such as the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs. They have also suffered from a lack of production from their top guys aside from forward Dirk Nowitzki.

The Celtics have similarly struggled, although the root of that was likely the early-season absence of small forward Paul Pierce. Boston has gone 4-1 since beginning the season on an 0-3 slide. While Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo have all played quite well, you have to wonder if the lack of an interior presence is going to be Boston's Achilles' heel.

Both of these teams have the talent and veteran leadership to win a title, but they must first find a way to get back on track. Whichever squad is able to come out on top in this contest will go a long way in straightening out their season.

Where: TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Listen: KESN 103.3 FM (Dallas) and WEEI 93.7 FM (Boston)

Betting Line: Boston (-5.5)

Mavericks Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports)

Out: PG Jason Kidd (back)

Celtics Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports)

Out: PF Jeff Green (heart)

Questionable: SG Marquis Daniels (illness)

Probable: SG Mickael Pietrus (knee)

What's at Stake?

A win or loss likely isn't going to have a huge bearing on either team regardless of how this game plays out, but a victory could be a nice momentum boost.

I would say that the Mavs are more in need of a shot in the arm since they have been inconsistent all season long. Coming off a championship, they haven't had much else to get excited about, but a win over Boston could change that.

The Celtics have played much better since Pierce's return, although they were embarrassed by the Indiana Pacers in their last outing. None of Boston's wins to this point have been against particularly good teams, so a win over the defending titlists could be a big boost for the Celtics.

What They're Saying

For the past several seasons, since putting together the "Big Three" of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, the Celtics have hung their hat on defense and toughness. With the departures of Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis over the past year, though, that toughness has been compromised. Even so, head coach Doc Rivers wants his team to play tougher, according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.

"

You don’t (teach toughness). Either you are or you’re not. Your team can play soft and be a tough team though. I think we’re a pretty tough, physical team, but we’ve had days where we were and days where we were not. But I don’t think you can teach it.

You can get a guy to play with tougher guys to act tough, but I don’t think you can teach toughness.

"

Mavericks Player to Watch: PF Dirk Nowitzki

The Mavericks have a lot of depth, so they are able to keep their players fresh. At the same time, though, it doesn't lend itself to allowing a superstar to take over a game. The Mavs currently only have two players averaging double figures in points, one of which is power forward Dirk Nowitzki.

While Nowitzki hasn't exactly been dominant, he is still averaging 19 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

Nowitzki will have to play closer to his postseason form from last year against the Celtics if the Mavs are going to pull the minor upset. The Celtics no longer have a strong defender like Kendrick Perkins in the post, so there won't be much defensive resistance against Nowitzki, and that's something he has to take advantage of.

Celtics Player to Watch: PG Rajon Rondo

Most of the talk regarding the Celtics center around Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. With that said, though, point guard Rajon Rondo very well may be the team's best player. He is third on the team in scoring, with 15 points per game, and averages 10.5 assists to boot. On top of that, he truly makes every shot count, as he shoots over 52 percent from the floor.

With Jason Kidd out for the Mavericks, Rondo will likely get to operate against a non-traditional point guard like Delonte West. This should open up a lot of offensive opportunities for Rondo and put him in line for a monster game.

Key Matchup: Celtics' Interior Defense vs. Dirk Nowitzki

With the likes of Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Wilcox and Greg Stiemsma patrolling the paint for the Celtics, it's no wonder they aren't quite as intimidating as they used to be. While the rest of Boston's roster looks as good as it ever has, there is a very obvious hole at center that was made when Kendrick Perkins was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder last season.

With that said, Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki is likely to be the focus of Dallas' offense in this game, as he is every night. Kevin Garnett is a solid defensive player, but he can only do so much against a potent offensive player like Nowitzki. If the Celtics can find a way to at least contain Dirk, then their chances of winning increase significantly.

Prediction

Celtics 87, Mavericks 82