Dallas Mavericks betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 12

Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns Game 1 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 1-seed Phoenix Suns open their 2nd-round Western Conference playoff series Monday at home against the No. 4-seed Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off from Footprint Center is set for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Suns Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Mavericks eliminated the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs in 6 games. G Luka Doncic missed the first 3 games of that series but averaged 29.0 points in games 4-6. G Jalen Brunson averaged 27.8 points per game in the series.

The Suns also came out of the first round of the playoffs in six games, eliminating the New Orleans Pelicans. They overcame a hamstring injury to G Devin Booker, who missed three games before returning to play in the series clincher. G Chris Paul shot a perfect 14-of-14 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line for 33 points in the final game.

Mavericks at Suns odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:53 a.m. ET.

Money line: Mavericks +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Suns -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Mavericks +5.5 (-107) | Suns -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Mavericks at Suns key injuries

Mavericks

G Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) out

Suns

None

[tipico]

Mavericks at Suns picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 110, Mavericks 103

Money line

PASS on the money line.

The Suns are healthy and had the league’s best home record during the regular season. They did lose 1 game at home in the first round against the Pelicans, but the Pelicans were able to battle with size and rebounding.

The Suns have won their last 9 matchups against the Mavericks.

The Mavericks were only 23-18 on the road this season.

I like the Suns (-240) to win but the odds aren’t suitable for a single wager. PASS.

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Against the spread

The Mavericks are 51-36-1 ATS including the playoffs and are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.

The Suns are 48-40 ATS and 21-23 ATS at home. They are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games.

Each team went 2-2 ATS against each other this season, but Dallas covered the spread in the 2 games in Phoenix.

The Suns are 7-3 ATS against the Mavericks in their last 10 matchups.

Take SUNS -5.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Two of the games between the Mavericks and Suns this season had totals of more than 214 points, but the Under hit in 3 of the 4 meetings.

Only 1 of the Mavericks’ 6 games in the last series had a total higher than 214 points.

Four of the Suns’ 6 games in the first round had more than 214 points.

I LEAN UNDER 214.5 (-107).

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Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Game 6 lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 5 seed Utah Jazz (2-3) host the No. 4 seed Dallas Mavericks (3-2) for a pivotal Game 6 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Jazz odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Dallas stomped Utah 102-77 in Game 5 Monday and Mavs All-Star PG Luka Doncic has been sensational since making his series debut in Game 3. Luka is averaging a series-best 31.5 points on 51.2% shooting with 11.5 rebounds and a plus-22 net rating in the first round.

On the other hand, almost all of Utah’s starting 5 have struggled in this series, including the Jazz’s leading regular-season scorer SG Donovan Mitchell, who’s putting up an inefficient 26.0 points on 41.4% effective field goal shooting (eFG%) with a minus-13 net rating.

Mavericks at Jazz odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:02 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Mavericks -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Jazz -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
Against the spread: Mavericks -1.5 (-102) | Jazz +1.5 (-122)
Over/Under: 209.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Mavericks at Jazz key injuries

Mavericks

None

Jazz

SG Donovan Mitchell (quadriceps) probable

[tipico]

Mavericks at Jazz picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 111, Jazz 104

Money line

BET the MAVERICKS (-112) to win Game 6 and advance to the Western Conference semifinals because it appears that the Jazz (-108) are out of adjustments. Utah needs Mitchell to be MUCH better offensively and C Rudy Gobert to be a difference-maker defensively.

But, Dallas was sixth in defensive rating this regular season and has held Utah to just 49.7% eFG% in this series. Also, the Jazz’s clumsy ball security from the regular season has carried into the playoffs. The Mavs have committed 20 fewer turnovers than the Jazz in this series.

On top of that, there’s an outside chance that Mitchell misses Game 6 and it’s pretty much a certainty he won’t be 100% for Utah’s elimination game. Mitchell exited in the second half of Game 6 with a leg injury.

Furthermore, the Mavs guards are knifing through the Jazz’s backcourt, which collapses Utah’s perimeter defense and leads to wide-open 3-pointers for Dallas. It’s unreasonable to ask Gobert to protect the rim and close out on the Mavs’ 3-point shooters in the corner.

Utah’s only case for winning Game 6 is the game is in Salt Lake City, but all the basketball logic suggests Dallas ends Utah’s season Thursday.

TAKE the MAVERICKS (-112).

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Against the spread

PASS because the Mavericks -1.5 (-102) is not enough insurance for our Dallas ML wager. If the Mavs’ spread somehow goes north of +2 then I’d happily take the points with Dallas just to be safe.

Over/Under

PASS with a “lean” toward the Over 209.5 (-108) because Dallas is getting whatever it wants on offense against Utah and it would make sense if the Jazz increase their pace and 3-point volume with their season on the brink.

However, there’s some reverse line movement (RLM) headed south of the total. According to Pregame.com, a vast majority of the market is betting the Over but the total has been lowered from the 210.5-point opener down to the current number.

RLM should be a red flag for sports bettors because it doesn’t make any sense for the sportsbooks to make the more popular side cheaper.

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Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Game 5 lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 5 seed Utah Jazz (2-2) returns to the Big D Monday after evening their Western Conference first-round series with the No. 4 seed Dallas Mavericks (2-2). Tip-off at American Airlines Center is set for 9:30 p.m. ET and airs on TNT. Below, we look at the Jazz vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Utah tied the series in Game 4 by beating Dallas 100-99 thanks to a Jazz SG Donovan Mitchell-to-C Rudy Gobert alley-oop dunk with seconds remaining to key the victory.

Game 4 was Mavericks All-Star PG Luka Doncic‘s first game in this series after returning from a calf injury. He scored 30 points on 52.4% shooting (4-for-10 from behind the arc) with 10 rebounds.

Jazz at Mavericks odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Jazz +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Mavericks -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread: Jazz +3.5 (-110) | Mavericks -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 212.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Jazz at Mavericks key injuries

Jazz

None

Mavericks

None

[tipico]

Jazz at Mavericks picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 111, Jazz 103

Money line

LEAN MAVERICKS (-160) because I’m confident enough in them to lay the points but wouldn’t hate a Dallas ML wager.

The Mavs are 4-1 straight up (SU) and ATS in their last five home games versus the Jazz dating back to last season including these playoffs. Utah’s lone victory in Dallas over that span was Game 1 of this series when the Mavs were playing without Luka.

The main reason the Jazz won Game 4 was their plus-19 free-throw attempt differential, which will most likely regress now that the series is back in Dallas.

Both teams are top 10 in net efficiency and top 10 in defensive efficiency. However, Dallas has a winning record and plus-ATS margin versus top-10 teams and defenses while Utah has a losing record and minus-ATS margin in those spots, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

It’s only a LEAN to the MAVERICKS (-160) because I’d rather bet their cheaper spread but Dallas will put Utah’s back against the wall with Game 5 victory.

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Against the spread

BET the MAVERICKS -3.5 (-110) for 1 unit based on the previous analysis and because this is a much more profitable spot for Dallas.

The Mavs are 8-4 ATS as 3-to-4.5-point favorites and 27-15 ATS versus teams with a winning record while the Jazz are 10-26-2 ATS versus winning teams. On top of that, Utah’s lone ATS win over Dallas was in Game 1 of this series and by only a half-point.

The MAVERICKS LAYING THE POINTS is my favorite bet in this game unless their ML falls to -140 or lower, at which point I’d take Dallas to win SU.

Over/Under

PASS because the Over has been steamed up by a sharp line move but Jazz-Mavericks is the second-slowest series in the first round and fewer possessions generally mean fewer points unless both teams are shooting well.

Furthermore, Dallas is 5-1 O/U in the last 6 games as a favorite but the Under has cashed in five of the last seven Jazz-Mavericks meetings.

I cannot call it either way so PASS.

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Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Game 4 lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 5 seed Utah Jazz (1-2) host the No. 4 seed Dallas Mavericks (2-1) Saturday for Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Tip-off at Vivint Arena is set for 4:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Jazz odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Dallas took control of the series by winning Game 3 Thursday 126-118 behind a hot-shooting night from behind the arc and another sensational performance by breakout star PG Jalen Brunson.

The Mavericks have connected on 22 more 3-pointers and are outshooting the Jazz 40.5-34.2% in this series. Brunson is averaging 32.0 points on 60.2% true shooting (.507/.412/.850) with 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

The major story heading into Game 4 is the possible return of Mavs All-Star PG Luka Doncic who was sidelined for the first three games of the series with a calf injury he sustained in Dallas’s regular-season finale.

Mavericks at Jazz odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Mavericks +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Jazz -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
Against the spread: Mavericks +6.5 (-120) | Jazz -6.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mavericks at Jazz key injuries

Mavericks

PG Luka Doncic (calf) questionable

Jazz

None

[tipico]

Mavericks at Jazz picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 110, Jazz 105

Money line

SPRINKLE on the MAVERICKS (+205) because this is a terrible matchup for the Jazz and I don’t see any moves for Utah head coach Quin Snyder to make. The Jazz need big Rudy Gobert on the floor to protect the paint and set screens and SG Donovan Mitchell is the center of Utah’s offense.

But, Mitchell and the rest of the Jazz’s backcourt cannot stop Dallas’s dribble penetration, which collapses Utah’s defense and leads to wide-open 3-pointers. The Mavs aren’t just red-hot from three but are getting great looks.

Both teams ranked in the top-10 of defensive rating during the regular season but Dallas played much better than Utah versus tough defenses.

The Mavs are 16-11 straight up (SU) against top-10 defenses with a plus-2.5 ATS margin (ranked fourth). Whereas the Jazz are 10-16 SU with a minus-3.6 ATS margin (ranked 23rd), according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

Luka’s return also is the last thing Utah wants to see. Luka averaged 30.0 points on 58.6% true shooting (.456/.444/.800) with 11.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists and a plus-9 net rating in three games versus the Jazz this season.

I’d only SPRINKLE on the MAVERICKS (+205), if at all, because Dallas’s spread is the sharper bet. The Jazz have also been one of the better home teams in recent seasons and we’ll see an all-in effort from Utah Saturday.

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Against the spread

Definitely BET the MAVERICKS +6.5 (-120) heavier than or instead of their ML because Dallas plus the points might come in handy with the Jazz needing this game like blood.

The Mavs are 14-7 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record and 5-2 ATS as 5-to-7-point underdogs while the Jazz are 10-25-2 ATS versus teams with a winning record (5-13-1 ATS at home).

For the record, the MAVERICKS PLUS THE POINTS is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

PASS because this feels like a sharp total. The Mavericks-Jazz is the second-slowest-paced series in the playoffs and both teams had top-tier defenses during the regular season.

However, the Mavs have the highest 3-point attempt rate in the playoffs so if they stay hot from behind the arc in Game 4, that’ll force the Jazz to chuck 3-pointers.

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Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Game 2 and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (0-1) host the Utah Jazz (1-0) for Game 2 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Monday’s tip-off at the American Airlines Center is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (NBATV). Below, we look at the Jazz vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Utah beat a Luka Doncic-less Dallas 99-93 in Game 1 Saturday, barely covering as 5.5-point road favorites and the Under easily cashed on a 208.5-point total. These teams split the four quarters and the “four factors”.

Jazz All-Star SG Donovan Mitchell rallied from a slow start in Game 1 to score 30 of his game-high 32 points after halftime, sinking 10 of his 11 second-half free-throw attempts.

Jazz at Mavericks odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:24 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Jazz -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Mavericks +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
Against the spread: Jazz -5.5 (-107) | Mavericks +5.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 205.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Jazz at Mavericks key injuries

Jazz

None

Mavericks

PG Luka Doncic (calf) doubtful

[tipico]

Jazz at Mavericks picks and predictions

Prediction

Jazz 106, Mavericks 103

Money line

Slight LEAN to the MAVERICKS (+175), if at all, because I like them to cover the spread and Dallas could have won Game 1 by making a few more free throws or finishing off a couple of defensive possessions with rebounding.

Furthermore, the Jazz (-220) have suspect ball security and a bad defensive free-throw attempt rate. The Mavs had half the turnovers of the Jazz in Game 1 and their dribble penetration should result in a bunch of visits to the foul line.

However, it’s tough to get behind Dallas here since Luka probably won’t play in Game 2 and Utah has the second-, third- and fourth-best players in this series otherwise.

The prediction is an honest projection of the score.

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Against the spread

BET the MAVERICKS +5.5 (-115) because their ATS loss Saturday was a bad beat, the Jazz -5.5 (-107) looked disjointed on offense and this is a Pros vs. Joe’s game in the betting market.

SF Bojan Bogdanović carried Utah early, scoring 20 of its 45 first-half points, and Mitchell took over in the second half. Otherwise, the Jazz struggled to get clean looks and didn’t utilize their size advantage since C Rudy Gobert attempted just 1 field goal and got all 5 of his points at the foul line.

However, Gobert’s defense kept Utah in this game and the Mavs ball-handlers were getting into the paint at will, but couldn’t finish because of his presence. If the Mavs get the same dribble penetration in Game 2 then Dallas could get Gobert into foul trouble and/or collapse Utah’s perimeter defense.

Also, according to Pregame.com, more than three-fourths of the cash is on the Mavs but roughly 60% of the bets placed are on the Jazz.

Since professional bettors put up more dough than your average Joe, the cash column is considered the sharp side of the market.

BET the MAVERICKS +5.5 (-115).

Over/Under

PASS because I don’t have a strong enough grasp of the total here. Part of me thinks Game 2 ping pongs Over the total since Game 1 went Under by 16.5 points.

But, Jazz-Mavericks are 2-6 O/U in their last 8 meetings, Utah is 1-11 O/U in the last 12 games as road favorites and Dallas is missing the center of its offensive gameplan.

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Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (49-30) head to Motor City Wednesday to play the Detroit Pistons (23-56) at the Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Dallas is 6-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in the last 8 games with the most recent being a 118-112 upset win as a 6.5-point road underdog at the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday.

Detroit has won 3 straight following a 3-game losing skid. The Pistons are 5-1 ATS over that span. Their last 3 victories have been against the Philadelphia 76ers (Thursday), Oklahoma City Thunder (Friday) and Indiana Pacers (Sunday).

The Mavs crushed the Pistons 116-86 in Dallas Feb. 8 in their first head-to-head meeting this season and own a 4-game win streak against Detroit.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA April 6 breakdown

Mavericks at Pistons odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:55 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Mavericks -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Pistons +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Against the spread: Mavericks -8.5 (-110) | Pistons +8.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 218.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Mavericks at Pistons key injuries

Mavericks

PF Max Kleber (ankle) out

Pistons

PF Marvin Bagley III (hip) out
SF Jerami Grant (calf) out
PG Cory Joseph (back) out
G Rodney McGruder (hip) out
PF Kelly Olynyk (rest) out

[tipico]

Mavericks at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 115, Pistons 102

Money line

PASS.

I’m on the Mavericks covering the spread but Dallas (-400) is way too expensive for any NBA regular-season favorite. Detroit (+300) actually has a better adjusted net rating over the past two weeks than Dallas, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

But the Mavs are 14-4 SU as road favorites and the Pistons are 11-22 SU as home underdogs.

I’m anticipating Dallas being motivated here and Detroit is missing four key contributors.

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Against the spread

BET MAVERICKS -8.5 (-110) because Dallas All-Star PG Luka Doncic will be motivated to get on the MVP ballot and ball out versus No. 1 overall pick, Detroit PG Cade Cunningham.

Since the All-Star break, Luka has been sensational, averaging 30.2 points on 60.4% true shooting (.474/.389/.774), 9.0 rebounds and 7.9 assists with a plus-11 net rating. Cunningham has played very well, but Luka will make a statement Wednesday.

The Mavs may want to finish the regular season strong after a slow start under first-year head Jason Kidd. Dallas is still jostling for playoff seeding and should be motivated to make the playoffs as the No. 3 seed out West.

Plus, Dallas’ newly acquired role players PG Spencer Dinwiddie and SF Davis Bertans have given the Mavs good minutes and can feast on Detroit’s depleted second-unit. Dinwiddie and Bertans should be giving 110% effort to earn playoff rotation minutes.

Finally, this feels like a trap line for the Pistons, who have played very well lately. Most semi-casual NBA bettors will look at Detroit’s recent impressive ATS trends and think “well, Pistons +8.5 is too many points.”

To be honest, I sort of do too, but plug your nose and BET MAVERICKS -8.5 (-110).

Over/Under

PASS.

This is a sharp total and there’s no value here based on my numbers.

For what it’s worth, Dallas is 29-48-2 O/U but 9-8-1 O/U as a road favorite, while Detroit is 38-39-2 O/U and 13-19-1 O/U as a home underdog.

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Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (48-29) host the Dallas Mavericks (48-30) Sunday for a matinee on ABC. Tip-off at the Fiserv Forum is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Dallas had its 3-game winning streak snapped Friday after getting blown out 135-103 on the road by the Wizards. In the last two weeks, the Mavs are 5-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS).

Milwaukee is 4-2 SU and ATS in the last 14 days, but was crushed 153-119 Friday by the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Bucks were without their Big 3 — PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF Khris Middleton and PG Jrue Holiday.

The Bucks beat the Mavs 102-95 in Dallas Dec. 23 as 3.5-point road favorites, but Milwaukee was missing Giannis and the Mavs didn’t have All-Star PG Luka Doncic.

Mavericks at Bucks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:45 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Mavericks +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Bucks -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Against the spread: Mavericks +5.5 (-105) | Bucks -5.5 (-120)
Over/Under: 227.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Mavericks at Bucks key injuries

Mavericks

PF Maxi Kleber (ankle) questionable

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) probable

[tipico]

Mavericks at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 117, Bucks 114

Money line

SPRINKLE on the MAVERICKS (+175) with the plan of hitting Dallas’s spread harder.

Luka has been playing at an MVP-caliber the past five weeks and performs well against Holiday.

Since the All-Star break, Luka is averaging 30.1 points on 60.6% true shooting (.478/.382/.772) with 9.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists.

Luka has averaged 25.8 points on 49.7% shooting, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 9 career head-to-head meetings with Holiday dating back to when Holiday played for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Furthermore, Milwaukee’s opponents are shooting a ridiculous 42.0% from behind the arc in its last 7 games and the Bucks allow the most 3-point attempts per game.

Dallas has the fifth-highest 3-point attempt rate so the Mavs will be comfy versus Milwaukee’s defense and could steal this game outright if Luka gets the ball to open 3-point shooters.

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Against the spread

Definitely BET the MAVERICKS +5.5 (-102) instead of or heavier than their ML.

Dallas is eighth in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), and the Bucks -4.5 (-112) struggle against tough defenses.

The Bucks are 11-14 SU versus teams with a top-10 defensive efficiency with a minus-4.6 adjusted net rating (ranked 17th) and the worst ATS margin (minus-7.7), per CTG.

On top of that, Dallas is more profitable than Milwaukee when stepping up in competition. The Mavs are 12-7 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record and have a plus-2.9 ATS margin (ranked sixth) when playing teams in the top-10 of adjusted net rating, per CTG.

Whereas the Bucks are 7-13 ATS at home versus winning teams and the second-worst ATS margin when playing top-10 teams (minus-6.1).

The MAVERICKS PLUS THE POINTS is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 227.5 (-112) because both teams have a bottom-10 adjusted defensive efficiency in the last 14 days, per CTG.

Also, Dallas’s offense is ranked eighth in adjusted offensive efficiency the last two weeks and if Milwaukee is going to let the Mavs chuck 3s then they should put up some points.

It’s only a LEAN to the OVER 227.5 (-112) because I’m much more confident in Dallas covering against Milwaukee.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Dallas Mavericks at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Dallas Mavericks at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (48-29) visit the Capital One Arena Friday to take on the Washington Wizards (33-43). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Mavericks come into the game on a 3-game winning streak and have won 5 of their last 6. They’ve also covered 5 of their last 6, pushing the Mavs’ against the spread (ATS) record to 43-33-1.

Dallas is led by superstar G Luka Doncic who averages a team-high 28.1 points, 8.6 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game. The Mavs sit in third place in the Western Conference.

Washington, once looked at as a playoff-caliber team, has slipped to 12th in the Eastern Conference and trail the 10th-place Hawks by 6.5 games.

The Wizards been playing solid basketball of late and have won 3 of their last 4 games (3-1 ATS). Washington is 5-3 ATS in its last 8 games and 30-44-2 ATS on the season.

This will be the first time these two teams have met since their blockbuster trade, sending G Spencer Dinwiddie to Washington for F Kristaps Porzingis, among other moving parts in that deal.

Mavericks at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:03 a.m. ET.

Money line: Mavericks -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Wizards +330 (bet $100 to win $330)
Against the spread (ATS): Mavericks -8.5 (-110) | Wizards +8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mavericks at Wizards key injuries

Mavericks

G Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) out

Home

F Kyle Kuzma (knee) out
G Bradley Beal (wrist) out

[tipico]

Mavericks at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 109, Wizards 104

Money line

PASS.

The Mavericks are the far better team and are trying to lock up the third spot in the West. Betting on them at -450 on the road still makes little sense given the potential return.

The same can be said about betting the Wizards to win without Beal. Ultimately, the money line is a strong pass.

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Against the spread

LEAN to the WIZARDS +8.5 (-110).

The Wizards have been playing well lately and they’ve done it behind Porzingis, who scored 35 points and shot 11-for-18 from the field in Wednesday’s 127-110 against the Magic.

With F Deni Avdija, F Rui Hachimura and G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Wizards should have enough talent to keep this game close. While the Mavs have been good the last 3 games, they’re just 5-4 ATS in their last 9.

Given that Doncic should be followed by a defensive-minded player and the Wizards have both length and size to throw at the Dallas star, they should be able to keep this one within single digits.

Per pregame.com, 73% of the tickets and 77% of the handle is on the Mavericks, so expect the line is continue to move in the Wizards favor. I would wait to play this closer to tip to ensure you get the best line possible.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 217.5 (-110).

If there’s one thing Doncic and the Mavericks do not do, it is play with pace. They rank 30th in pace in the league. G Jalen Brunson and Doncic prefer half-court offense over transition.

Along with a defense that ranks second in opponents’ points per game, I expect them to slow down a Wizards team without its top scorer. The Mavs are 2-4 O/U in their last 6. Washington is also 2-4 O/U.

Lastly, this is a “pros vs. joes” game with over 90% of the money on the Under yet 62% of tickets on the Over. Betting with the money is typically the more profitable angle, and it’s the best bet in this game as well.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (47-29) head to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Wednesday to play the Cleveland Cavaliers (42-33) at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Cavaliers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Dallas has won 4 of the last 5 games — 4-1 against the spread (ATS) — including back-to-back double-digit home victories versus the Utah Jazz Sunday and the Los Angeles Lakers on March 22.

Cleveland snapped a 3-game losing streak by beating the Orlando Magic 107-101 at home Monday. But the Cavs failed to cover as 8-point favorites and are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 games (2-3 overall).

The Cavs crushed the Mavs 114-96 in Dallas Nov. 29. But Cleveland was at full strength while Mavs All-Star PG Luka Doncic was still playing his way into shape and Dallas was still learning first-year coach Jason Kidd’s system.

Mavericks at Cavaliers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:16 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Mavericks -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Cavaliers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread: Mavericks -2.5 (-107) | Cavaliers +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 212.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Mavericks at Cavaliers key injuries

Mavericks

G Spencer Dinwiddle (knee) out

Cavaliers

C Jarrett Allen (finger) out
PF Evan Mobley (ankle) out

[tipico]

Mavericks at Cavaliers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 113, Cavaliers 107

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Maverick because I’d much rather need Dallas outright than have to sweat a cover.

My buy-price for the Mavs’ ML is -140, at which point I’d pass on Dallas’s spread. That said, the Mavs are 13-3 straight up (SU) as road favorites and the Cavs are 4-9 SU as home underdogs.

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Against the spread

BET the MAVERICKS -2.5 (-107) for 1 unit because they already had a much better backcourt and the Cavaliers +2.5 (-115) are missing several bigs so Dallas should own the glass Wednesday.

For instance, the absence of Allen, Mobley and PF Dean Wade means Cleveland will rely on a 3-guard lineup featuring All-Star PG Darius Garland, newly acquired SG Caris LeVert and second-year SG Issac Okoro.

Dallas can counter with Luka and combo guard Jalen Brunson but will be without newly acquired Spencer Dinwiddie. The Mavs’ recently formed 3-guard lineup had been more efficient thus far than Cleveland’s.

According to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), Dallas has a plus-5.8 adjusted net rating with Luka, Brunson and Dinwiddie on the floor, which would grade in the 81st percentile of all 5-man lineups. Cleveland’s 3-guard lineup with Garland, LeVert and Okoro has a plus-3.9 adjusted net rating (73rd percentile of all 5-man lineups), per CTG.

Furthermore, this is a better spot for the Mavs who are 10-6 ATS as road favorites with a plus-4.9 ATS margin and 8-4 ATS as 3-to-4.5-point favorites.

Finally, the market could be overreacting to Dallas being in the second of a back-to-back. The Mavs throttled the Lakers Sunday and Luka didn’t even play in the fourth quarter so Dallas isn’t exactly on tired legs.

BET the MAVERICKS -2.5 (-107).

Over/Under

PASS even though my prediction is well Over the projected score because there’s reverse line movement heading south of the total and these teams have a combined 28-42 O/U record when playing teams with a winning record.

According to Pregame.com, a vast majority of the market is betting the Over but the total has been lowered from the 214-point total down to the current number. It’s a red flag when sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper so this total feels like a trap line.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (46-29) host the Los Angeles Lakers (31-43) Tuesday at American Airlines Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

L.A. suffered a 23-point collapse in its 116-108 loss at the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday as a 4-point road underdog. The Lakers are 2-4 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS) over the last two weeks.

Dallas has won three of its last four games (3-1 ATS) with the latest being a 114-100 beatdown of the Utah Jazz Sunday.

These teams are tied 1-1 SU but the Mavs are 1-0-1 ATS in their two meetings with the Lakers this season and the total is 0-2 Over/Under (O/U) in those games.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA March 29 breakdown

Lakers at Mavericks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Lakers +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Mavericks -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
Against the spread: Lakers +11.5 (-110) | Mavericks -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 219.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Lakers at Mavericks key injuries

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (ankle) doubtful
SF LeBron James (ankle) doubtful

Mavericks

None

[tipico]

Lakers at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 112, Lakers 107

Money line

SPRINKLE on LAKERS (+550), if at all, because they’ll most likely lose. The Lakers are 5-18 SU as road underdogs and the Mavericks are 21-6 SU as home favorites but L.A.’s spread feels like a sharp play and the ML payout is fat.

There’s no question this game means more to the Lakers than the Mavs and we know PG Russell Westbrook is itching to show he can hold down the fort without LeBron and AD. Maybe Westbrook goes nuclear, Lakers SF Carmelo Anthony and SG Malik Monk hit 3s and L.A. stuns Dallas.

L.A. plus the points is the preferred play but I’ll SPRINKLE on LAKERS (+550).

(The prediction is an honest projection of the score).

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Against the spread

The absence of LeBron makes the LAKERS +11.5 (-110) a “Westbrook team” and that’s not a that that is 11.5 points worse than this Mavs team in a regular-season game.

Westbrook averaged 27.8 points, 10 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game versus the Mavs in six career head-to-head meetings with Dallas All-Star PG Luka Doncic before coming to L.A.

A traditional high-usage rate from Westbrook might throw the Mavs off and night in, night out he can still wreak havoc on defenses. Westbrook likes to attack the rim and Dallas’s defense ranks 21st in field goal percentage versus attempts at the rim, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

Most importantly, everyone bet the Mavericks -11.5 (-110) when news broke that LeBron was “doubtful” to play in this game. Roughly 80% of the money is on Dallas according to VegasInsider.com and the House usually wins.

Westbrook and L.A.’s market is at its lowest point and I’ll buy some stock in the LAKERS -11.5 (-110) since no one else will and we’ll be on the same side as the House.

Over/Under

PASS because my numbers align with the market so I don’t see a lot of value in betting this total.

For what it’s worth, the Lakers are 42-32 O/U and 21-15 O/U on the road while the Mavs are 25-48-2 O/U and 9-28-1 O/U at home.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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