Mavericks – Nuggets

Monday night basketball in the NBA, with the Dallas Mavericks set to host the Denver Nuggets at American Airline center.

The Mavs (6-17, 4-10 home) have one of the worst records in the NBA, but they are not playing like it right now. After a rough start, the Mavs started getting better and have now won 4 of their last 7 games, playing very well in the losses as well – which were all close games against good opponents. Last time out, the Mavericks beat the Clippers by 20 points at home.

Denver (13-9, 3-7 away) has played good basketball in the start of this season and they are looking like a team that could realistically fight for the playoffs in the Western Conference, but at the moment they are in some trouble given injuries to Jokic and Millsap, their starters in the frontcourt and arguably their two best players. They have been unimpressive since Jokic went out early two games ago against the Chicago Bulls.

Bet on Mavericks vs Nuggets and claim your 100% (100 Eur) bonus at Ohmbet now!

Team news: The Mavs continue to miss Curry, Noel, McRoberts and Finney Smith, all long term injuries, with Curry being the only important piece of the four. The Nuggets will miss Jokic and Millsap, but they will also be without Chandler, who could have started at PF instead of Millsap.

The Nuggets managed to win both games since Jokic joined Millsap on the injury list, but that isn`t much of a positive thing. The Nuggets played at home against two of the worst teams in the NBA, the Bulls and the Lakers, and needed late rallies to salvage a win in each of those games. They did not play well, and they are not a good team without these guys.

It will be much more difficult to compete without Jokic and Millsap on the road, where the Nuggets are traditionally struggling, and this season is no exception (3-7 record). Denver has a big advantage playing at home due to the high altitude, but they are rarely bringing the same level when traveling.

Dallas is showing good basketball lately, they are confident and morale is good. The 39 year old Dirk Nowitzki has regained his groove recently, shooting 57% from the field and 60% from three in the last 5 games, averaging 14 PPG. He could have a big impact in the frontcourt considering Denver’s injuries there.

Dallas always brings a lot of energy at home, and that should be key against a shorthanded, road-shy Nuggets side. My tip is Dallas to cover the 2 point (asian) handicap. Prediction: Dallas Mavericks – Denver Nuggets 110 – 98.

Pick: Mavericks -2
Odds: 1.89 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.12
Event date: 5 December