Tag: Dallas Mavericks betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Dallas Mavericks (6-5) host the Chicago Bulls (4-8) Sunday at American Airlines Center for a 3 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Bulls-Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Mavericks had a four-game win streak snapped with a 112-109 loss at the Milwaukee Bucks Friday. Each of their previous four wins were decided by at least 7 points.

The Bulls have dropped four straight decisions, including a 127-125 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday. All four losses were within a 4-point margin.

Bulls at Mavericks: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:04 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bulls +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Mavericks -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Bulls +7.5 (-120) | Mavericks -7.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bulls at Mavericks: Key Injuries

Bulls

  • PF Chandler Hutchison (health and safety protocols) out
  • SG Luke Kornet (not with team) out
  • SF Otto Porter Jr. (back) probable
  • PG Tomas Satoransky (health and safety protocols) out
  • SF Garrett Temple (ankle) probable

Mavericks

  • PG Jalen Brunson (health and safety protocols) questionable
  • PF Dorian Finney-Smith (health and safety protocols) out
  • SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (groin) questionable
  • PF Maxi Kleber (health and safety protocols) out
  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) probable
  • C Dwight Powell (health and safety protocols) out
  • SF Josh Richardson (health and safety protocols) out

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Bulls at Mavericks: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mavericks 128, Bulls 115

Money line (ML)

The Bulls have been playing their best basketball but in one of the toughest stretches of the schedule they’ll have all season. They lost 117-115 to the Los Angeles Lakers and 130-127 to the Los Angeles Clippers. Chicago covered the spread as an underdog of 8.5 and 12 points, respectively.

Still, Dallas has been winning with authority and has flawlessly reincorporated Porzingis into the lineup. Through two games, he’s averaging 15.5 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game. PG Luka Doncic continues to lead the way for the Mavericks with 27.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG and 8.8 assists per game.

The Mavericks should win this against an inferior team, but the Bulls’ recent performances against elite Western Conference competition are enough reason to steer clear of the -275 money line price. We’ll get better value on the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

Get the MAVERICKS -7.5 (+100) as a solid value while needing to win by at least 8 points. Chicago covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games to improve to 8-4 ATS for the season, but Dallas is also 7-4 ATS and has covered in five straight games coming into Sunday.

The Mavs take better care of the ball and are the superior rebounding team. They hold opponents to the third-worst field-goal percentage in the NBA while the Bulls allow opponents to hit on 47.8% of field-goal attempts to rank 24th in the Association.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 227.5 (-110). The matinee tip will likely be a better defense against scoring than either of these teams will provide. Chicago has played to four straight Overs and is 8-4 against the O/U for the season.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Dallas Mavericks (3-4) square off with the Denver Nuggets (3-4) Thursday at Ball Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Mavericks-Nuggets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Mavericks pasted the Houston Rockets 113-100 as 4-point road underdogs Monday. Dallas had more fast-break points, more points in the paint, shot better from everywhere on the floor, out-rebounded Houston 57-41 and dished out seven more assists … Essentially outclassed the Rockets in every way.

Denver righted the ship following back-to-back losses by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in both legs of a home/away doubleheader Jan. 3 and 5. The Nuggets covered the spread in the first game vs. the Timberwolves (a 124-109 win as 8.5-point road favorites) but lost against the spread in the second meeting (a 123-116 win as 10.5-point home favorites).

Dallas beat Denver 2-1 (2-1 against the spread) in the 2019-20 season series. Three of the last four Mavericks-Nuggets games have been decided by 3 or fewer points.

Mavericks at Nuggets: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mavericks +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Nuggets -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mavericks +2.5 (-105) | Nuggets -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mavericks at Nuggets: Key Injuries

Mavericks

  • PG Trey Burke (illness) out
  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out

Nuggets

  • SF Michael Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) questionable

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Mavericks at Nuggets: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mavericks 116, Nuggets 110

Money line (ML)

While scrolling through our Mavericks-Nuggets photo inventory, I noticed there were very few pictures of Denver PG Jamal Murray guarding Luka Doncic but I saw a lot of pictures of former Nuggets players SFs Torrey Craig and Jerami Grant checking Luka.

Those former Nuggets players were their best wing defenders over recent seasons and despite Doncic’s official PG designation, he’s mostly guarded by the opponent’s athletic wings.

Well, as a team Denver has been terrible defensively thus far—second-to-last in the NBA in defensive rating (115.5) and here’s a look at the candidate’s to guard Luka Thursday: Murray (118 defensive rating), SG Gary Harris (118 defensive rating) and SF Will Barton (115 defensive rating).

Luka’s career stats vs. the Nuggets are subpar for him: 22.8 points per game on 40.6% field-goal shooting, 21.1% from 3-point range and a 106 offensive rating. Now that Denver no longer has reliable defensive wings, I think Doncic gets anywhere he wants against the Nuggets.

TAKE MAVERICKS (+125) for a half-unit because we are betting the spread heavier.

Against the spread (ATS)

Dallas is the right side here and my strategy is to BET MAVERICKS +2.5 (-105) for 1.5 units on top of the light money line wager I made.

We should cash both tickets but it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s noteworthy we are fading the market and if pro-Nuggets action keeps coming we might get more points closer to tip-off.

Over/Under (O/U)

I lean OVER 223.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit with a disclaimer. According to Pregame.com, more than 80% of the market is betting Over in Mavericks-Nuggets, yet the total has been pushed down from a 226-point opener, which tells me BetMGM feels good about their projection for the total. That makes me nervous and I’d either bet the total lightly or not at all.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Dallas Mavericks (2-3) stop by the Windy City Sunday to play the Chicago Bulls (2-4) at United Center at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Mavericks-Bulls NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Mavericks at Bulls: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mavericks -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Bulls +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mavericks -6.5 (-105) | Bulls +6.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mavericks at Bulls: Key Injuries

Mavericks

  • SF Luka Doncic (quadriceps) questionable
  • PF Maxi Kleber (ankle) probable
  • C Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out

Bulls

  • PG Ryan Arcidiacono (health and safety protocols) out
  • PF Lauri Markkanen (health and safety protocols) out
  • SF Chandler Hutchison (health and safety protocols) out
  • PG Tomas Satoransky (health and safety protocols) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

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Mavericks at Bulls: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mavericks 119, Bulls 115

Money line (ML)

Officially, I’ll PASS on the money line but if I had to go either way it’d be the Bulls (+200) because I am taking Chicago plus the points. Typically I’d like to sprinkle on an underdog’s money line when betting them to cover the spread and I still might pending the final injury reports.

Against the spread (ATS)

Dallas’ defense showed up against the Miami Heat (or the Heat’s offense pulled a no-show) in its 93-83 win as a 1.5-point underdog on New Year’s Day. The Mavericks held the Heat to just 37.2% from the field, 21.2% from behind the 3-point arc and outrebounded them 59-49.

The Bulls were trampled by the Milwaukee Bucks as 14.5-point underdogs in a 126-96 loss Jan. 1. Chicago was on a two-game winning streak, but both were against a then-winless Washington Wizards team.

Despite Doncic averaging 30.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in two games against the Bulls last year, Chicago split the season series and held a 1-1-0 ATS edge.

This is a perfect fade the market spot: 85% of the money is coming in on the Mavericks, according to Pregame.com, which caused Dallas to move up from a 5.5-point opening line favorite. This would be more of a lock if the Mavericks spent a weekend night in a normal (fun) Chicago nightlife but obviously, it’s pretty tough for a professional athlete to navigate the social scene given the circumstances.

Furthermore, I am selling Mavericks stock until they start to put together consecutive quality performances. GIMME BULLS +6.5 (-115) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

Heading into Sunday’s game with Chicago, Dallas has the sixth-best defensive efficiency in the league; however, I am not sure how real that defensive production is for the Mavericks.

Again, Miami shot terribly more than Dallas stifled them on D. The Mavericks gave up 118 points to the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday and Charlotte is 21st in offensive efficiency. That 124-73 win over the Clippers on Dec. 27 is as random as it gets.

Lastly, we might be getting value because of the Under cashing in five straight Mavericks-Bulls games in Chicago. I think the trend ends Sunday so I’ll lean OVER 224.5 (-110) for a half-unit.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Hoops Hype:

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Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Charlotte Hornets (1-2) are in the Big D Wednesday to play the Dallas Mavericks (1-2) at 8:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center. Below, we analyze the Hornets-Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Hornets at Mavericks: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Hornets +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Mavericks -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Hornets +8.5 (-110) | Mavericks -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 222.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Hornets at Mavericks: Key Injuries

Hornets

  • C Cody Zeller (hand) out

Mavericks

  • SG Josh Richardson (calf) questionable
  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

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Hornets at Mavericks: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mavericks 115, Hornets 111

Money line (ML)

Charlotte notched a nice little upset as 11-point home ‘dogs over a fully loaded Brooklyn Nets team 106-104 in its last outing Sunday. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were amazing, but so was Hornets’ newly signed free agent Gordon Hayward who had a team-high 28 points on 12-for-20 shooting, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.

The Mavericks dropped an epic regular-season beatdown on the Los Angeles Clippers on their home floor, 124-73, on Dec. 27. Instead of listing outlandish stats from the Mavericks-Clippers box score, I’ll just say the only thing Los Angeles had more of than Dallas was fouls committed. It was 77-27 at halftime. Enough said.

While I don’t envision the Hornets being a contender, I do think they’ll be a tough out during the regular seasons for teams that are taking them lightly. Not to say that’s what Brooklyn did on Dec. 27, but the point is Charlotte has the talent and coaching to beat good teams.

I lean HORNETS (+290) for a quarter-unit because they are a live ‘dog, and I’m going to bet Charlotte plus the points heavier.

Against the spread (ATS)

Last season, these teams split their head-to-head with the road team winning both games. Coincidentally, the game Dallas won was the meeting that Luka Doncic was sidelined with an injury.

Also, last season, the Hornets had a winning ATS record as a road ‘dog (17-15-1 ATS) while the Mavericks had a losing ATS record as a home favorite (13-17-1 ATS). If the home-court edge is lessened because of the COVID-influenced atmosphere, doesn’t that help the Hornets in this spot?

GIMME HORNETS +8.5 (-110) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS ON THE TOTAL.

It has only been a few games, but I was surprised to see Dallas has the 14th-rated defensive efficiency and the Hornets’ 11th. Charlotte playing at the seventh-fastest pace and Dallas second-slowest is also surprising, but if the Hornets push the pace I’d expect the Mavericks to welcome that since they led the NBA in offensive rating last year.

Bottom line: I don’t have a feel for the total.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Dallas Mavericks (0-2) play the Los Angeles Clippers (2-0) Sunday in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference first-round series at 3:30 p.m. ET in the Staples Center. Below, we analyze the Mavericks-Clippers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Mavericks at Clippers: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:00 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mavericks +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Clippers -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mavericks +4.5 (-105) | Clippers -4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 228.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Mavericks at Clippers: Key Injuries

Mavericks

  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out

Clippers

  • SF Kawhi Leonard (mouth) questionable
  • PF Marcus Morris (knee) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV.

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Mavericks at Clippers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mavericks 119, Clippers 114

Money line (ML)

Dallas fell to 0-2 after getting rolled by the Los Angeles Lakers 138-115 on Christmas. Preseason MVP favorite Luka Doncic had a strong performance – putting up 27 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists – but the Lakers did whatever they wanted on offense. Los Angeles shot 56% from the field, including 19-for-39 from three, and out-rebounded the Mavericks 53-27.

The Clippers also played on Christmas as it exacted a little regular-season revenge on the Denver Nuggets in a 121-108 win. Los Angeles was phenomenal offensively, shooting 55% for the game and 50% from behind the arc, but the major storyline was the injury of All-Star Kawhi Leonard. He was accidentally elbowed in the jaw by teammate PF Serge Ibaka when both were going for a rebound and Leonard was bleeding from his mouth as he exited the game in the fourth.

Last year’s first-round Mavericks-Clippers playoff series was tied 2-2 before Los Angeles blew out Dallas by double-digits in Games 5 and 6 due to, in part, to masterful Kawhi Leonard performances.

The Claw scored 33 in Game 5 and 32 in the Game 6 clincher, but Kawhi most likely will not suit up for this Mavericks-Clippers game. It’s a good spot for Dallas to get a little revenge on the Clippers without their best player. I’d only BET MAVERICKS (+165) lightly because Dallas plus the points is a better play.

Against the spread (ATS)

We are going to buck the head-to-head trends and, regardless of how good Paul George looks, BET MAVERICKS +4.5 (-105) for 1 unit. The Mavericks have covered only twice in its last 10 games against the Clippers and is 1-4 ATS in their five in Los Angeles.

However, Dallas probably looked for its games against the Clippers first when the regular-season schedule was released because of that chippy playoff series with Los Angeles last year.

Porzingis was ejected from Game 1 for a sketchy flagrant foul call, Morris and Luka got into some beef after Morris seemingly targeted Luka’s sprained ankle in Game 5 then Morris was ejected from Game 6 for a flagrant foul 2 on Luka.

BET MAVERICKS +4.5 (-105) just in case they cannot win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

Though it has only been two games, it appears that the biggest change in style implemented by Clippers’ new head coach Ty Lue is upping Los Angeles’ volume of 3-point attempts. Last year’s Clippers team was 16th in 3-point rate while this season they rank No. 3.

Also, Dallas has started a little slow this season offensively, but the Mavericks were the most efficient offense in the NBA last season. The potential absences of Kawhi and Morris are going to weaken Los Angeles’ defense.

TAKE OVER 228.5 (-115).

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Hoops Hype: 

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Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Christmas’ Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) host the Dallas Mavericks (0-1) at the Staples Center in the primetime game of the NBA Christmas slate at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Mavericks-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Mavericks at Lakers: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:58 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mavericks +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Lakers -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mavericks +6.5 (-120) | Lakers +6.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mavericks at Lakers: Key Injuries

Mavericks

  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out

Special Christmas Day Betting Promotion!

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Mavericks at Lakers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Lakers 116, Mavericks 113

Money line (ML)

PASS with a slight lean toward the Mavericks (+195) because I usually like to sprinkle on underdogs’ money lines when taking them plus the points. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine the Lakers falling to 0-2, especially as reigning champions playing on the NBA’s biggest night.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Lakers rallied back from a 22-point first-quarter deficit to head into halftime only down two, but it wasn’t enough as the Lake Show lost 116-109 to the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday. It was a lackluster performance from the Lakers’ two-headed monster— SF LeBron James and PF Anthony Davis—who combined for a modest 40 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists.

Dallas struggled to hit open jumpers—connecting on just 24.3% on 3-pointers—and were outrebounded by 11 boards in a 106-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns as a 1-point underdog Wednesday. PG Luka Doncic put up solid numbers (32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) but also shot poorly from deep and failed to make a 3.

The first Mavericks-Lakers game last season was one of the best regular-season games of 2019-2020 in which Los Angeles won 119-110 in overtime as a 1-point road dog. The Lakers were 3-1 straight-up and ATS vs. the Mavericks last season.

I don’t put a lot of stock into the Mavericks’ shooting trouble vs. the Suns because they got wide-open looks and just bricked them. Furthermore, the Clippers hit 14 3-pointers opening night vs. the Lakers and Los Angeles’ perimeter defense could take a step back, at least early on, this season.

Above-average defensive guards Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley and Danny Green are no longer with the Lakers. Also, we might not see Los Angeles’ championship form until 2021, and if there is an early-season lull due to a short turnaround for the Lakers, then don’t we like Dallas more?

GIMME MAVERICKS +6.5 (-120) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Dallas had the highest percentage of Overs last season (49-32 O/U) and the Mavericks should executive offensively much better in their second game against a Lakers team that could take a step back defensively.

I like both teams to bounce back from a little ring rust and poor first game performances. I’d only BET OVER 227.5 (-110) for a half-unit because I prefer the sides over totals.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Phoenix Suns welcome the Dallas Mavericks to Phoenix Arena for a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off Wednesday. Below, we analyze the Mavericks-Suns NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Mavericks at Suns: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:55 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mavericks -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Suns -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mavericks +1.5 (-110) | Suns -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 234.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mavericks at Suns: Key Injuries

Mavericks

  • C Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
  • PF Maxi Kleber (knee) probable

Suns

  • PG Chris Paul (ankle) probable
  • PF Frank Kaminsky (health and safety protocols) out
  • SF Abdel Nader (concussion protocol) out
  • PF Dario Saric (quadriceps) out

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with a legal, online bet at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV. Risk-free first bet up to $500, paid in free bets. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Mavericks at Suns: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Suns 115, Mavericks 112

Money line (ML)

This has to be the most excited Phoenix has been about the Suns since the Mike D’Antoni and Steve Nash era.

The Suns acquiring PG Chris Paul this offseason was one of the biggest moves made and it’s an indication Phoenix is ready to make a playoff push. Let’s not forget how close they were last season after going a perfect 8-0 in the bubble with two of those wins coming against Dallas.

The Mavericks have even higher hopes and are being led by the odds on favorite to win the 2020-21 NBA MVP in PG Luka Doncic. Phoenix has its own up and coming superstar in SG Devin Booker, who lit up the Mavericks for an efficient 30 and 27 points in their two bubble meetings.

Where I’m focused in this Mavericks-Suns handicap is the matchup history between the two point guards. In their four head-to-head meetings, Luka is shooting below his average from the field and behind the arc against CP3 and the Mavericks are just 1-3 in those contests, according to LandOfBasketball.com.

While CP3 is known as the Point God for his uncanny ability to get anywhere on the floor against defenses, Paul has also been named to the NBA’s All-Defense team nine times and is a six-time NBA steals leader. His biggest focus in this game should be limiting (not stopping) the damage done by Luka.

Furthermore, the Oklahoma City Thunder had the best clutch rating in the NBA last season and it’s primarily because of CP3’s success in closing out victories. Candidly speaking, I worked for the Los Angeles Clippers the first season after they acquired Paul and I’ve witnessed with my own eyes this dude steal opponents’ souls at the end of games.

If BetMGM is projecting a close game, I have to ride it out with CP3 and BET SUNS (-115) for 1.5 units.

Against the spread (ATS)

PASS. I’ll pay the extra 5 cents on the dollar for an outright Suns win rather than fuss with the spread.

Over/Under (O/U)

I lean UNDER 234.5 (-110) since I blindly wrote down the score before peeping BetMGM‘s projected total. I’m higher on both teams’ offenses compared to the defenses but my feeling is this total is too high. CP3’s floor general style is more surgical than fast-paced.

Officially, I’ll PASS because I just prefer sides over totals.

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