Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks

Betting Odds

Denver (47-30, 40-33-4 ATS) has absolutely rolled since trading Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks, going (15-4 with win over OKC; 14-5 with a loss) in its past 19 games. The Nuggets are coming off a 101-94 loss at home against Oklahoma City on Tuesday evening.

If there were still some doubters about Denver, a few more were proven wrong with Sunday’s 95-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets won in Los Angeles, proving they can win even against the big boys. Denver has played nasty, swarming defense, and Kobe Bryant noted the team comes at you “in waves.”

The best looking piece of the ‘Melo trade is Danilo Gallinari. He’s averaging nearly 16 points and over five rebounds per game since joining the Nuggets. Gallinari was crucial in that tone-setting win over the Lakers, scoring 22 points while adding seven boards and three steals.

Dallas (53-24, 39-36-2 ATS), meanwhile, has lots all its momentum from a recent five-game winning streak. The Mavericks fell 104-96 to Portland on Sunday, giving them three consecutive losses. They’ve also lost three straight games against the spread.

Guard Rodridgue Beaubois had given the club a new, explosive dynamic in recent weeks, but he’s been absolutely terrible most recently. Beaubois had scored in single figures in three straight games leading into the loss to Portland. He “broke out” against the Blazers, though nine of his 18 points came in the fourth quarter—when the game was well out of hand.

While seeing a youngster like Beaubois struggle isn’t all that surprising, it is strange to see Dirk Nowitzki underperforming. The big German has scored just 16 points in back-to-back games. In fact, Nowtizki hasn’t been his usually self for well over a week now; he’s scored less than 20 points in four of his past six games. Sooner or later—preferably sooner—Dallas needs its franchise player back on track.

The Mavericks were shorthanded against Portland, as center Tyson Chandler missed the game with a back injury. He’s hoping to return to action against Denver, which will add about 10.2 points and 9.3 rebounds to the stat sheet.

Denver is 6-4 in its last 10 games against the Mavericks, though only have a slight 5-4-1 edge against the spread in those games. The teams have already met three times this season, with Denver winning the previous two. The Mavs are 2-1 against the spread this season, though. The total went over in the last meeting, ending a streak of three straight games going over. Sportsbook has set the total at 202.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

Denver did win their last 6 before losing at home to Oklahoma City last night. The Nuggets are in one of my favorite bet against situations. Playing back to back and their playing for the third time in 4 days. Add into the equation that the Mavericks have lost 3 straight and have the revenge factor after losing the last two this season versus Denver.
Take the Mavericks -5.5 at 5Dimes.com and get reduced juice every day!