DALLAS @ DENVER (DEN -3, 226.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
MAVERICKS @ NUGGETS 11/22/24
A high-stakes battle between the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks is on the horizon tonight as both teams strive for a knockout round placement in the eagerly anticipated NBA Cup Group Stage. With each team already sporting a loss in the West Group C standings, tensions are at an all-time high.
The Nuggets may welcome back their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, whose return has been uncertain due to recent personal reasons. Whether he plays or not remains questionable. Fans are also on edge as the Nuggets suffered a loss in forward Vlatko Cancar to a left knee injury. To make matters even worse, Aaron Gordon is now listed as out with a calf injury.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks already know they'll face this crucial game without their superstar, Luka Doncic, sidelined due to a wrist injury. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is hopeful that Doncic makes a clean return for the rest of the season. Even without Doncic, Dallas is seeking its fourth consecutive win.
Dallas' Kyrie Irving has been a shining light, scoring a season-high 43 points in a previous clash with Denver. He, along with the rest of the Mavs, will need to step up to fill in for Doncic's absence. Additionally, P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II are back in action, providing a much-needed boost to the team's depth.
Navigating the game without their key players is a challenge both teams are ready to embrace. Nuggets' coach, Michael Malone, is open to exploring his bench depth, with guard Trey Alexander potentially playing more. Similarly, Dario Saric is back in the rotation for Denver, bringing new strategies and possibilities to the table.
This game could be a turning point for both teams, as they face head-on challenges and a bitter fight for survival in the NBA Cup. Denver has won six of its last eight games since starting the season 2-3. The Nuggets are 4-3-1 ATS in those eight games. The Over has been in play for the Nuggets this season. Nine of their last 11 games have cashed on the Over.
Dallas has lost four of the last five games against Denver. The Mavs are also 1-5 SU in the last six against the Nuggets in Denver. Like the Nuggets, the Over is the trend for Dallas, going 4-2 in the last six games.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
FREE PICK: KYRIE IRVING OVER 25.5 POINTS
The big news tonight is that Luka Doncic is out for Dallas. No worries Mavs’ fans. Kyrie will take over. He usually does when Luka is not on the floor. In his last 10 games without Luka, Irving has averaged 30.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. He averages 24.3 points a game and he’s only gone Over this number 5 times this season. However, with Luka out tonight, Irving will have to pick up some of the slack.