What time does the NBA Finals start? Celtics vs. Mavericks Game 1 schedule

And then there were two.

The 2024 NBA Finals are set between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks after 20 teams qualified for the NBA postseason.

Boston slashed their way through the Eastern Conference bracket on the way to a second conference title in three years. After finishing the regular season with the NBA's best record (64-18), the Celtics lost just two games in the playoffs en route to this NBA Finals appearance. They now seek their first title since 2008 and 18th overall, which would set a new NBA record.

Meanwhile, Dallas continued to look like the team they've been since this year's trade deadline. The Mavericks, who compiled a 21-9 record after the February 8 deadline, rolled through the Western Conference in the playoffs. They won their first two series in six games before riding clutch shooting and dominant performances from their stars to put down the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals.

Here's what to know about Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Thursday night.

NBA FINALS GAME 1: Celtics vs. Mavericks predictions and betting odds for Thursday

What time is the NBA Finals?

Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals tips off at 8:30 ET on ABC.

HOW TO WATCH: Catch the NBA Finals with a subscription to fuboTV

Kristaps Porzingis injury update

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is set to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It's his first game back healthy after he suffered a calf injury on April 29 – during Game 4 of Boston's first-round clash with the Miami Heat.

KRISTAPS PORZINGIS: Center expected to return to Celtics lineup for Game 1 of NBA Finals

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What time is the NBA Finals?