Will Mavericks cover vs. Celtics? | Geno Auriemma thinks Dan Hurley would be great fit for Lakers

Good afternoon, sports fans.

The NBA Finals finally get underway tonight with the Boston Celtics set to host the Dallas Mavericks. It marks the second time in three years that the Celtics have reached the NBA Finals, while the Mavericks are back in the championship series for first time since 2011. One of the key storylines for the series will be how Kyrie Irving does against his former team as he spent two seasons in Boston. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

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• JJ Redick plans to address Lakers coaching rumors after the NBA Finals wrap up.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

UCONN'S GENO AURIEMMA BELIEVES DAN HURLEY WOULD THRIVE WITH LAKERS

UConn found itself at the top of the college basketball world this past season as the Huskies won the men's NCAA Tournament. According to an ESPN report, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to make a very lucrative offer to UConn coach Dan Hurley to become their next head coach. Ironically enough, Hurley and UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma were at an event on Wednesday night, and Auriemma even whispered to Hurley that he "could win a lot of championships" with the Lakers in a joking manner. Just hours later, talk about the Lakers being interested in Hurley began to run rampant. CBS Sports college basketball writer David Cobb took a look at what kind of legacy that Hurley would leave behind if he chose to depart for the NBA.

• Cobb:"Hurley's legacy is already secure at UConn after winning back-to-back national titles in just six seasons on the job. He could stay another 20 years and become a UConn lifer like Auriemma. Or, he could chase a championship at the highest level of basketball for one of the most iconic franchises in sports."

NBA Finals -- Game 1: Mavericks at Celtics, 8:30 p.m. | TV: ABC

• The Pick: Mavericks +6.5 (-110)
• Key trend: The Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last six playoff games.

SportsLine expert Mike Barner is 7-2 in his last nine NBA ATS picks.

• Barner:"The Mavericks have two of the most clutch players in the NBA in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. That helps them keep games close. Of their five losses in the playoffs, four of them have been by five or fewer points. Even with a significant talent advantage against the Pacers in the previous round, three of the Celtics' wins were by only five or fewer points. I think the Mavericks keep this game close, if not win outright, so I'll take the points in this spot."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the total, while having "C" picks on the spread and moneyline.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

Rockies at Cardinals, 7:45 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Projection: Over 7.5 (+100)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total with "C" grades for the spread and moneyline for the contest. The over is 2-1 in the Cardinals' last three games, so we'll back that trend to continue in this spot.

SportsLine expert picks:Our staff has combed through the Thursday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

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