Betsided

Mavs vs Thunder Prediction and Odds: Dallas Get Doncic Back after Weeks on the Shelf

By Matt De Saro

The Dallas Mavericks have yet to utilize the full potential of their roster but a game against the Thunder could get them back on track.
The Dallas Mavericks have yet to utilize the full potential of their roster but a game against the Thunder could get them back on track. / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Dallas Mavericks have been very average so far this season and have yet to find their footing after 35 games. They are 17-18 and second in the Southwest due to a lack of talent in the division. Things could be looking up as the Mavericks have won two of their last three games after dropping back-to-back games to the Jazz and Bucks.

As with most teams, the Mavs have been dealing with roster issues thanks to COVID protocols, but the team got some good news yesterday. Leading scorer Luka Doncic has cleared protocols along with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber. The group is expected to rejoin the team before the game tonight. 

While the Mavericks have been playing surprisingly bad, nobody is shocked at the Thunder for being 13-22 and fourth in the Northwest Division. OKC is rebuilding but has some impressive wins under their belt so far. Aaron Wiggins has been leading the charge of this young team and is averaging 18.3 PPG and 5.8 RPG in his last five games. Here are the odds for this Sunday night showdown courtesy of WynnBET: 

Mavericks vs. Thunder Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Mavericks: -9 (-110)
  • Thunder: +9 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Mavericks: -425
  • Thunder: +325

Total: 

  • 206.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Mavericks vs. Thunder Prediction and Pick

The Mavericks have struggled over the last few weeks but I am willing to give them a pass due to their injury issues. This is the first time since early December that Doncic is not on the injury report and he will be playing in his first game since Dec. 10. This will be a massive boost for a team playing without JaQuori McLaughlin, Boban Markovic, Brandon Knight, and Trey Burke, all of whom are under protocols. One major question mark is Kristaps Porzingis, who is doubtful because of rest and has played poorly when active.

Despite the injuries, this is the same roster coming off two wins in their last three. Now, with the return of Doncic, they will have their best player and team leader back on the hardwood. The Mavs have covered seven of their last 10 games, all without Doncic, and he makes them significantly better. I am not worried about any rust and I think Doncic comes back and leads all scorers in this game. 

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks -9 (-110)

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