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Mavericks vs. Hawks prediction and odds for Sunday, April 2 (Target Dallas’ defense)

By Reed Wallach

Mar 20, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) rests during free throws during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) rests during free throws during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Things have spiraled out of control for the Dallas Mavericks, who are on the verge of missing the postseason despite trading for star guard Kyrie Irving around the NBA Trade Deadline.

The Mavericks are 8-15 since he was acquired in early February, and the team heads to Atlanta to face the Hawks a game behind the Thunder for the final Western Conference Play-In spot.

Can Dallas make one last push for the postseason with five games remaining, or will they lose for the second time in as many nights to an Eastern Conference foe, this time the Hawks?

Here are the odds for Sunday’s matchup:

Mavericks vs. Hawks odds, spread and total

Mavericks vs. Hawks prediction and pick

Since Irving joined the Mavericks, who was acquired in a trade with the Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith in addition to draft compensation, the Mavericks defense is 25th in the NBA. While the offense has been elite with Irving and Luka Doncic’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor, the defense has created issues for them in hopes of making the postseason.

To be fair, the Hawks defense has been bad all season. In that same time frame with Irving on the Mavs, February 8th, the Hawks are 27th in points allowed per 100 possessions and have since fired coach Nate McMillian. However, given that the Mavericks are on the second night of a back-to-back and the team seems to be unraveling, I’d rather target the Hawks offense than any other bet in this game.

Atlanta’s offense is littered with elite weapons around star guard Trae Young, top 10 in offensive rating this season, and with an extra day to prepare for this game I believe we see the team light up the poor Mavericks defense.

The total is an astronomically high 246.5, and I can see this game getting out of hand for the Mavericks if Doncic and Irving aren’t locked in, but I’m most confident in the Hawks offense putting up points in a win or a loss, so I’ll side with the team total over.

Track all of Reed’s bets at Betstamp HERE!

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.