NBA Finals live updates: What to know about Celtics vs. Mavericks for Game 1

A star is guaranteed to win his first NBA title. But will it be Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics or the Dallas Mavericks‘ Luka Dončic?

The answer to that question will begin to be revealed during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Boston on Thursday.

The Celtics, in search of an 18th banner to hang at TD Garden, are playing in their third Finals in three seasons. Despite their storied history, however, the Celtics have just one championship since 1986 – the same total as the Mavericks.

Dončic, one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, has led the Mavericks to an improbable Finals run. Paired with a rejuvenated Kyrie Irving, whose rocky relationship with Boston is sure to be a storyline, Dallas has played with a chip on its shoulder all playoffs.

Still, Boston cruised through the Eastern Conference playoffs – doing so mostly without the services of Kristaps Porzingis, who is expected to return for Game 1.

Will the Celtics’ dominance continue in the Finals, or will the Mavericks cap an incredible postseason campaign with a championship? Follow USA TODAY Sports throughout the night for the latest news, scores and highlights from Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

What time is NBA Finals Game 1?

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston.

How to watch NBA Finals Game 1

ABC will broadcast every game of the 2024 NBA Finals.

How to stream NBA Finals Game 1

Each game of the 2024 NBA Finals can be streamed on ESPN+ or on Fubo.

NBA Finals schedule

• Thursday, June 6: Game 1 at Boston, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC

• Sunday, June 9: Game 2 at Boston, 8 p.m. ET on ABC

• Wednesday, June 12: Game 3 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC

• Friday, June 14: Game 4 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC

• *Monday, June 17: Game 5 at Boston, 8:30 p.m. on ABC

• *Thursday, June 20: Game 6 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. on ABC

• *Sunday, June 23: Game 7 at Boston, 8 p.m. on ABC

*- if necessary

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA Finals live updates: Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 predictions, odds