Nuggets vs. Mavericks Prediction and Odds: Dallas is out for Blood After Embarrassing Loss to Denver Last Month

Revenge is on the mind for the Dallas Mavericks tonight when they host the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavs have been waiting a few weeks to get their hands on the Nuggets after getting embarrassed 106-75 earlier in the season. The Mavs are running hot right now after winning four of their last five. 

This will be the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets after an easy win last night over the Trail Blazers. Denver now has won seven of their first eight games at home. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic led all players with 28 points and chipped in nine assists and nine rebounds in less than 30 minutes on the court. 

Here are the odds for this Western Conference showdown courtesy of WynnBET: 

Nuggets vs. Mavericks Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Nuggets: +4.0 (-110)
• Mavericks: -4.0 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Nuggets: +160
• Mavericks: -180

Total: 

• 209.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Nuggets vs. Mavericks Prediction and Pick

The Mavericks have shown that they are a very strong team at home and I don’t expect them to be embarrassed again by the Nuggets. I just don’t see this team getting held under 80 points at home. Especially with Kristaps Porzingis back on the court and healthy. In my estimation, his absence was a big reason the Mavs lost so badly last time and he could be the difference tonight. 

The Nuggets defense is very good but I don’t see them dominating the Mavs again. Opposing teams are averaging just 98.2 points per game this season. So, while I don’t expect the Mavs to explode on offense, they won’t get shut down again like last time. 

The Mavs need their two superstars, Porzingis and Luka Doncic to step up and shoot the lights out at home. Porzingis also gives the team a lot of help in the rebounding game and is another dangerous shooter for the Nuggets to defend. The lack of Jamal Murray makes this task all that much harder.