Dallas Mavericks take on the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals

The Mavericks are aiming for their first title since 2011, while the Celtics are looking to add to their record-tying 17 championships.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for Thursday night at TD Garden in Boston.

The Celtics come into the Finals as the favorites, having finished the regular season with the league's best record. They also have the experience edge, having reached the Finals in each of the past two seasons.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, are making their first Finals appearance since 2011, when they won their only NBA championship. They have been a surprise team this postseason, knocking off the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.

The matchup between the two teams is expected to be a close one. The Celtics have the better overall talent, but the Mavericks have shown that they can play with anyone. Game 1 will be a big test for both teams, and it could set the tone for the rest of the series.

Here are some of the key storylines to watch in Game 1:

• The battle between Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum
• The Celtics' defense against the Mavericks' offense
• The Mavericks' ability to rebound against the Celtics
• The Celtics' home-court advantage
• The Mavericks' experience in the Finals

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.