Mavs Feeling Great
This Southwest Division series no longer features a matchup between two of the NBA’s top European big men, all the more reason it is likely to remain very one-sided.
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks go for their 10th consecutive victory over the woeful Grizzlies, playing their third game since trading away star forward Pau Gasol.
Oddsmakers from SBG Global have made Dallas –13.5 point spread favorites (NBA Odds) for today’s game, the over/under has been set at 201.5 total points (Matchup). Our public betting information shows that 73% of bets for this game have been placed on Dallas -13.5 (View NBA Bet Percentages).
Dallas (33-15) shares the division lead with New Orleans while Memphis (13-35) is entrenched in last place, 20 games back and holding the league’s fourth-worst record.
The Grizzlies are not expected to get much closer to first place following last week’s trade of Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie and two first-round picks.
It remains to be seen if the Mavericks will make a move to keep up with the other Western Conference contenders who have been wheeling and dealing. Besides the Lakers getting Gasol, the Phoenix Suns acquired Shaquille O’Neal and the San Antonio Spurs added Damon Stoudamire.
Dallas has long been rumored to be interested in point guard Jason Kidd, who has asked to be traded from New Jersey.
The Mavericks don’t need any more help against Memphis, leading the all-time series 42-7.
Nowitzki has averaged 26.6 points and 10.1 rebounds in leading Dallas to nine straight wins over the Grizzlies since a 112-92 loss on Nov. 26, 2005. That win is Memphis’ only one in its last 14 games at Dallas.
The Grizzlies put up a good fight in their lone visit this season, losing 108-105 on Nov. 17, but they were blown out at home in the most recent meeting as Dallas won 103-84 on Jan. 28.
Nowitzki is coming off the first triple-double of his career, with 29 points, 10 boards and 12 assists in a 107-96 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday. It was the first time he has reached double figures in assists.
"I’m seeing more double-teams than I ever have in my career," Nowitzki said. "Before, teams played me more one-on-one, but my post game has gotten better so I’m seeing more double-teams and I’ve been able to find the open guys."
While Dallas is 21-3 at home, including eight wins in a row entering this game, Memphis is 4-17 on the road and has dropped six straight away from home.
The Grizzlies were dealt their fourth consecutive loss overall on Tuesday, 102-97 to visiting Milwaukee despite Mike Miller’s season-high 32 points. Darko Milicic had 11 points and 12 rebounds for his third straight double-double.
Memphis’ newcomers, meanwhile, saw limited action in their debuts. Brown had four points and four rebounds in just under 16 minutes, and Crittenton had five points in almost 8 minutes.
"I thought they came in and gave a good effort," coach Marc Iavaroni said. "Obviously, they are still getting their legs. A couple of mistakes here and there."
Jason Collins, acquired earlier this week from New Jersey for Stromile Swift, was in uniform Tuesday but did not play.
By: Marc Young – theSpread.com – Email Us
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