The battle of Interstate 35 will add yet another chapter, as the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder are in town to face off with the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder, who got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back from his abdominal strain in Friday’s win over the Denver Nuggets, will look to keep the momentum rolling against a Mavericks team that may or may not even want to win this game.
How will this game play out? Let’s dive into the cap.
Last week’s results
Minnesota 122, Dallas 111
Tyler: 4-0 (+$393)
David: 0-4 (-$400)
Well, someone had to carry the load, and for a change it actually turned out to be Tyler. Let’s hope this momentum continues!
Overall
Tyler: 24-31 (-$560)
David: 28-26 (+$346)
Overall: 52-57 (-$216)
Time to keep pushing forward!
Game intangibles
Oklahoma City Thunder (46-15) at Dallas Mavericks (21-38)
Tipoff: Set for just after 7:00 p.m. CT from the American Airlines Center in Dallas
How to watch: This game is now just a local broadcast, after NBC flexed out of this game about a month ago. Mavs TV and KFAA Channel 29 have you covered.
Game odds
Odds provided by the Fanduel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Wager responsibly!
Spread: Oklahoma City -15.5
Total: 234.5 points
Moneyline: The Mavericks are +660 to pull the shocking upset
Tyler’s picks
- Over 234.5 points (-110)
- Chet Holmgren under 17.5 points (-108)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make 2+ three pointers (+162)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make the first basket of the game (including free throws) (+440)
Part of the driving force behind the Mavericks losing here has been their lack of defense. With that in mind, expect a big number in the points department. I don’t expect those points to come from Chet Holmgren though, as this is simply too high for a guy who could sit the fourth quarter. That’s why I’m targeting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander props that don’t require a full workload. The threes could come here, as against a depleted Dallas team, he might start to work on things. Lastly, give me SGA to score the first basket. Why not.
David’s picks
- Mavericks +15.5 (-106)
- Khris Middleton over 12.5 points (-114)
- Oklahoma City Thunder over 31.5 first quarter points (-102)
- Jared McCain to score 15+ points (+320)
After the Mavericks first letdown, in terms of effort, since probably November on Friday, I expect Dallas to keep this one closer than the books think. SGA is on a minutes restriction still after returning from injury, but should get the Thunder off to a hot start. Middleton is better than a 12-point guy, and McCain has a SENSATIONAL matchup against weak Dallas guards.