The Dallas Mavericks (39-27) continue to struggle with consistency down the stretch, as they hold onto seventh place in the Western Conference, leading eighth-place Memphis by 6 ½ games with 16 games to play, but they saw a third-quarter lead vanish in a disappointing loss in San Antonio on Tuesday night. Things don’t get any easier for Dallas as the Denver Nuggets (43-21) come to town for the second night of a back-to-back for the Mavericks. Denver and Dallas have both split their last ten games, but the Nuggets are five games ahead of Dallas in the conference standings. Can Dallas rebound after a tough loss, or will Denver make it three losses in a row for the Mavericks? Don’t commit to any sports betting on this game without reading our insights on the matchup. Let’s see how the NBA odds will be for the Nuggets vs Mavericks.
Nuggets vs Mavericks 2020 NBA Game Preview & Betting Odds
- When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 8:00 pm ET
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM Denver / KRLD 105.3 FM Dallas
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
- NBA Odds: Dallas -1 / O/U 219.5
Why should you bet on Denver?
The Denver Nuggets have split their last six games but followed up a disappointing loss in Cleveland (as the Cavaliers inexplicably swept the Nuggets in the season series) with a win over the Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks, sending them to their third consecutive loss. That put Denver in the ironic position of getting swept by a team that has spent much of the season in the East basement — while sweeping the East leaders.
In the win, Denver took advantage of the fact that Milwaukee was missing its top six scorers. Paul Millsap scored 20 points, and Jerami Grant added 19. Nikola Jokic had ten points — eight in the fourth quarter, including his first three-ball in his last 14 attempts. This game in Dallas marks the first of a stretch in which they will play seven of eight games on the road. Can the Nuggets keep up their scoring balance against the Mavericks?
Why should you put your money on Dallas?
Dallas continues to show a sputtering offense in the fourth quarter of tight games as well as a lack of defense inside. That continued in losses at home to Indiana and in San Antonio in which the team saw leads evaporate in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic poured in 38 points on Tuesday in the loss to the Spurs, but it was not enough.
San Antonio exploited Dallas’ troubles inside, as LaMarcus Aldridge pounded the ball inside for 24 points. Seven different Spurs scored in double figures as Dallas simply could not get stops. Doncic also had seven boards and seven assists to go along with his 38 points, and Tim Hardaway Jr scored 20 points. In the fourth quarter, Dallas scored five points in the first five minutes, going just 1 for 8 from the floor. Five different Mavericks missed the game with an injury or illness, but it is the time of year when every team will be at least somewhat short-handed. If the Mavericks don’t have a little more grit inside, Nikola Jokic will have a huge night for the Nuggets.
Nuggets vs Mavericks Final Score Prediction
It’s been exciting to see Luka Doncic blossom as a player, and to see Kristaps Porzingis continue to show more facets of his game as he gains confidence in his return from a lengthy absence due to injury. Until Dallas can figure out the defensive end of the game more consistently, though, they will struggle with contenders. I see Denver coming to town and delivering a lesson to Dallas inside. My final score prediction is Nuggets 122, Mavericks 110.
