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

The Boston Celtics look to right the ship as they continue their lengthy road trip with a prime-time matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. 

It's been hard times for the Celtics lately, as they've lost three games in a row now and five of their last six. 

All of that can be forgotten, though, with a solid victory over the Mavericks today, as well as a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Boston needs its spirits lifted before the All-Star Break, and the best way to do that is to win. 

The Mavericks are hoping to start a win streak up again. Dallas lost to the New York Knicks on Sunday, ending a great six-game win streak. 

Coming back home had to be a relief for the Mavericks, but this will be the third straight road game for the Celtics. 

With that said, let's look at some specifics for this cross NBA conference showdown. 

When: Monday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET 

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Tex.

Watch: TNT 

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Betting Line: Dallas (-6) according to covers.com 

What's At Stake? 

For the Celtics, this is a must-win game. A loss would dig them into a further hole, which is not needed right before the All-Star Break. Boston is in desperate need of a victory in order to get its confidence back. 

For Dallas, a loss would be detrimental since it would be the second in a row. The Mavericks can't afford to lose a team that has been consistently struggling for over a week now. Plus, losing this game would put a damper on the team mood, which wouldn't be good considering the Mavericks have to play the Los Angeles Lakers next. 

Boston Injury Report 

*According to CBS Sports

PF Brandon Bass (knee): Out until late February 

PF Kevin Garnett (personal reasons): Status unknown 

Dallas Injury Report 

*According to CBS Sports

SG Delonte West (finger): Out until March 

What They're Saying 

Gary Washburn writes about the NBA for the Boston Globe, and he tweeted out a stat that is very disheartening to any and all Celtics fans. 

The Celtics can't allow this to ever happen again. Sure, they were without their big men down low, so being aggressive on the offensive end was difficult.

Still, the other players have to step up and take it to the rim, and they can't let the opposing team dominate them like that anymore. 

Eddie Sefko covers the Mavericks for The Dallas Morning News, and he mentions in his scouting report that a couple Dallas players could reach big milestones in tonight's game. 

"

Jason Kidd enters the game with 2,514 steals. With his first theft he'll pass Michael Jordan for second place on the all-time list. Unless he plays until he's 50, Kidd won't catch all-time leader John Stockton (3,265). ... Dirk Nowitzki needs one block to reach 1,000 for his career and become the third player with 1,000 blocks and 1,000 3-pointers. Rasheed Wallace and Clifford Robinson are the others.

"

The likelihood of both Kidd and Nowitzki achieving these goals tonight is very strong. 

Both veterans have had illustrious careers thus far, capped off by winning the championship last year. Now they can set their sights on completing records while fighting to win the title once again. 

Boston Player to Watch 

Rajon Rondo led all players in scoring when these two teams went head-to-head last month. He scored 24 points, but the Celtics lost. 

This time around, Rondo has to perform at a high level once again. The Celtics need him to be a facilitator as well as a scorer, especially if Garnett doesn't play. 

Since Rondo was ejected from Sunday night's loss to the Detroit Pistons, he needs to turn around and play great to make up for his mistake. 

Dallas Player to Watch 

Dirk Nowitzki scored a season high 34 points in Sunday's loss to the Knicks, so keep an eye on him to see if his production suffers a big drop-off or if the Mavericks top player continues to shine bright. 

The talented power forward is the heart and soul of Dallas, and the Mavericks will look to Nowitzki to carry the load on Monday. 

He wasn't overly impressive in their first meeting, and that has to change this time around. 

Key Matchup 

Winning the turnover battle is key for Monday night's contest. With the Celtics fresh off a season high-tying 24 turnovers, Boston has to take better care of the ball. 

The Mavericks need to as well, because the more looks the Celtics have, the better their chances are of pulling off the upset. 

Since Boston will be without their top big men, the Mavericks have a chance to really run away with this game. However, if they turn the ball over too much, it will doom them. 

Prediction 

Dallas 93, Boston 85