Mavericks vs. Nuggets: Prediction, Odds, Pick, and How to Watch NBA In-Season Tournament Game

The Denver Nuggets are favored to hand the Dallas Mavericks their first loss of the season in the NBA In-Season Tournament. Despite Luka Doncic's off-night, the Mavericks have a strong supporting cast and firepower to keep their winning streak alive. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray lead the Nuggets' offense, while their defense has been impressive. Expect a high-scoring game between two elite offenses.

The Dallas Mavericks have been on an impressive winning streak, remaining the only team in the Western Conference without a loss. To truly test their success thus far, they will face off against the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets in an In-Season Tournament game. Despite a subpar performance from Luka Doncic, who shot just 5-of-16 from the field for 18 points, the Mavericks managed to keep their streak alive. Grant Williams led the team in scoring with 25 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 24 points coming off the bench, with both players draining seven three-pointers each.

On the other hand, the Nuggets recently suffered their first loss of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 110-89. It was an off-night for the defending champions as they shot just 39.6 percent from the field, including 6-of-33 from beyond the arc. Nikola Jokic was the standout performer for Denver with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but he struggled with his shooting and committed five turnovers. Jamal Murray was the only other Nugget to reach double figures with 14 points.

FanDuel predicts that the Mavericks will finally face their first loss at the hands of the Nuggets. However, with the presence of Luka Doncic and their revamped supporting cast, Dallas has the firepower to maintain their winning streak and secure a victory in the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament.

Luka Doncic has been playing at an MVP level, averaging 33.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. He has also been efficient with his shooting, making 51.1 percent of his field goals and 42.2 percent from beyond the arc. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving has struggled early in the season, averaging just 19.5 points per game. Surprisingly, he is the third-leading scorer for the Mavericks, with Tim Hardaway Jr. leading the team with 20.5 points per game off the bench.

The Mavericks' supporting cast has also made significant contributions this season. Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr., who were signed in the offseason, have been solid additions to the team. Rookie Dereck Lively II has impressed head coach Jason Kidd and earned a starting role after his first NBA game. However, Lively could face a tough challenge going up against the two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Offensively, the Mavericks have the second-best rating in the NBA, just behind the Boston Celtics. They also lead the league in three-pointers made per game this season.

The Mavericks will have Kyrie Irving back in action, but there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Maxi Kleber, who is questionable with a right small toe dislocation.

So far this season, the Mavericks have gone 3-1 against the spread and have hit the over/under mark in all four games.

On the other hand, the Nuggets enter the game as favorites to end the Mavericks' winning streak. Nikola Jokic has been performing at an MVP level, averaging 26.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting over 60 percent from the field. Jamal Murray has also had a productive start to the season, averaging 18.8 points and a career-best 7.8 assists, with a career-high 46.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

With the departure of Bruce Brown in free agency, the Nuggets are relying on their young players to step up. Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Zeke Nnaji have all answered the call so far.

While the Nuggets relied heavily on their offense to win the NBA championship last season, their defense has been their strong suit this season. They rank fourth in defensive rating and fifth in opponents' field goal percentage. They are also the third-best team in defending the three-point shot, holding opponents to just 29.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Despite some minor injury concerns, including lower back pain for Nikola Jokic, a right quad issue for Jamal Murray, and a right shin strain for Christian Braun, all three players are expected to play.

So far this season, the Nuggets have gone 2-3 against the spread and have failed to hit the over/under mark in all five games.

In conclusion, the prediction for the Mavericks-Nuggets game is in favor of the Nuggets. They are expected to hand the Mavericks their first loss of the season. Nikola Jokic is likely to dominate inside, especially against rookie Dereck Lively II. The Nuggets' defense, led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson, has been exceptional, and they will make things difficult for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Expect a high-scoring game between two elite offenses.

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