Mavericks vs. Nuggets Prediction
The Denver Nuggets have been playing well despite a lot of injuries. Will the bug finally catch up with them tonight when they host the Dallas Mavericks at 9PM ET?
551 Dallas Mavericks at 552 Denver Nuggets
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
9PM ET – Pepsi Center
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Nuggets are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -5 points against the Mavericks. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 208 points. The public betting for this game currently has 73 percent going on the Nuggets as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Mavericks hope to end losing streak
The Dallas Mavericks have lost back-to-back games coming into tonight, falling to Phoenix and Sacramento. They also have failed to cover in three straight. Dallas is now 15-13 on the season, 2-10 on the road, 17-11 against the spread and 14-14 with the over/under total.
The Mavericks are allowing just 108.1 points per game while opponents shoot 46 percent from the field. Offensively, Dallas is putting up 109.6 points per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the floor. Dennis Smith Jr. is doubtful to play tonight with a wrist injury, but J.J. Barea and Dirk Nowitzki are probable to play despite ankle injuries. Rookie Luka Doncic has been leading the team with 18.2 points. 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Harrison Barnes is adding 17.8 points per contest.
Nuggets looking for fourth straight
Denver has won three straight at home coming into tonight, covering the spread in all three. The Nuggets are coming off a 95-86 win over the Raptors on Sunday. Denver is 20-9 on the season, 12-3 at home, 18-11 against the spread and 18-10-1 with the under.
Denver is pretty strong on defense this season. They are giving up just 102.9 points per game while opponents shoot 44.5 percent from the floor and a league-worst 31.7 percent from the arc. On offense, the Nuggets are putting up 109.4 points per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. Denver currently has Paul Millsap, Isaiah Thomas, Will Barton, Gary Harris and Michael Porter Jr. all out indefinitely with injures. Nikola Jokic is having a strong year to help make up for the losses, as he averages 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists per contest. Jamal Murray is adding 17.5 points and 4.7 assists per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Dallas
Dallas is 12-3 against the spread in their last 15 Tuesday games, but just 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
Denver
Denver has covered the spread in six straight home games and 10 of their last 12 games overall.
Prediction:
It just doesn’t seem possible that Denver would be able to continue to play at the level it is with the injuries the Nuggets are dealing with. Dallas has been pretty competitive this season, but their recent road appearances have been double-digit losses. I think they are going to have trouble at Denver. The Nuggets are clicking, especially at home. They have won their last three game by at least six and I see something similar tonight.
NBA Prediction: Denver Nuggets -5