The Denver Nuggets (9-6) play the 2nd game of 2 at the Dallas Mavericks (9-6) Sunday at American Airlines Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Mavericks odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Nuggets are on a 2-game skid, including a 127-99 loss as 10-point underdogs at the Mavericks Friday. The lack of defense hurt Denver as it was outscored in every quarter, including 44-28 in the 2nd. It didn’t help that 3 starters were out — leading scorer C Nikola Jokic (20.8 points per game) and PG Jamal Murray (16.5 PPG) were in health and safety protocols, while F Aaron Gordon (14.5 PPG) didn’t play due to a non-COVID 19 illness.
Dallas wraps up a 5-game homestand in which is it 3-1 straight up but just 1-3 against the spread (1-3). G Luka Doncic carried the Mavs in the Friday victory — the lone cover in the stand — finishing with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, while F Christian Wood added 28 points off the bench.
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Nuggets at Mavericks odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:09 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Nuggets +345 (bet $100 to win $345) | Mavericks -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +9.5 (-105) | Mavericks -9.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Nuggets at Mavericks key injuries
Nuggets
- F Aaron Gordon (illness) questionable
- G Bones Hyland (hip) probable
- C Nikola Jokic (health and safety protocols) out
- PG Jamaal Murray (health and safety protocols) out
Mavericks
- F Reggie Bullock (neck) probable
- F Maxi Kleeber (back) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Mavericks picks and predictions
Prediction
Mavericks 118, Nuggets 103
Moneyline
AVOID.
The Mavericks (-450) should win, but it’s not worth risking 4.5 times your potential profit.
The Mavericks have been playing at an extremely high level with an MVP favorite in Doncic and a Sixth Man of the Year favorite in F Tim Hardaway Jr. Their inconsistency on offense does worry, me but their defense has been much improved this season, which makes up for them being a top-heavy team.
Against the spread
BET MAVERICKS -9.5 (-115).
Doncic is simply too good for the Nuggets to stop. They have no one who can really guard him and their team is far too reliant on Jokic. The Mavericks seem like they are on a mission after losing in the Western Conference Finals last season. Meanwhile, the Nuggets, while they have looked solid, have not looked as spectacular as many fans expected. Expect another double-digit win for the Mavericks in this one.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 217.5 (-110).
The Nuggets have a good offense and a terrible defense, and the Mavericks have just the opposite. The offense for the Mavericks revolves around Doncic, which while risky, has been working very well for them as he continues his MVP campaign. This bet could honestly go either way, but with the Denver’s 2 best offensive players in Jokic and Murray out, the Under is the way to go.
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