The Dallas Mavericks finally woke up and realized that the season has started early this year, so they have to play catch up just like last season. They aren’t the same team that lost so many games in the first month of the season, but then again, neither are the visiting Brooklyn Nets.
Nets at Mavericks
Spread: Dallas Mavericks -5.5 (-110) at BetDSI Sportsbook
Total: N/A
With five players missing, the Nets no match to the Houston Rockets
Playing severely shorthanded on the second night of a back-to-back in a legitimate contender’s house, the Nets did their best not to get embarrassed but still were no watch to the Rockets, losing 103-117.
The Rockets were adamant to start strong and it was exactly what they did. The Nets fell behind by 21 in the first quarter, and despite fighting back to within four in the third, wore out in the final period and never had a chance. Predictably, it was a three-pointer galore, with two teams pushing the tempo and hoisting shots as soon as the ball would cross mid-court, setting a new NBA record for combined 3-pt attempts with 89. Houston finished 20-of-50 on 3-pointers, and the Nets were just 10-of-39. They were much better going inside (30-of-47) but got caught up in the game style. With Crabbe, Carroll and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson unavailable due to injuries, the Nets have put a patchwork of a lineup, starting Harris, Levert, and Booker. This lineup actually played significant minutes together, as this was the Nets reserve unit ten days ago. Still, the Rockets bombed them with 43 first-quarter points and turned on the autopilot. The Nets bench featured three centers and two wings, all of which took solid part in the game. Whitehead, freshly recalled from G-League, did more, being very active during his court time. He scored team-high 24 points, but also had 5 turnovers and 5 fouls. Five more Nets players finished in double figures, but none with more than 14 points. Defensively, the Nets did nothing to slow down Harden, who finished with 37 points and 8 triples and were lucky to see Paul and Gordon have an off day shooting wise. They opted to go zone defense on the Rockets, prompting more threes and while it worked during the initial shock, the Rockets regained their momentum and wouldn’t be tricked by this gimmick.
Hollis-Jefferson rolled an ankle and Crabbe has a bad back – both missed last two games. Carroll joined them on the shelf with illness. All three are questionable to play in Northern Texas.
Place: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 29th, 2017. 8:30 PM ET
TV Coverage: FSSW, YES
Poor second-half defense dooms Mavericks in San Antonio
The Dallas Mavericks’ modest two-game win streak was cut short by the interstate rival. They lost 108-115 to the San Antonio Spurs, not being able to squash the momentum their opposition got with the season debut of Tony Parker.
Dallas also had the early lead, playing a very good first half that got Spurs coach Popovich frustrated and eventually ejected for complaining. They’ve gradually built a double-digit lead in the mid-second quarter, playing well on both sides of the court. However, they couldn’t contain Spurs interior offense, and once hosts got on a run, they got hot and Dallas couldn’t match it. After holding the Spurs to 46 first-half points, the Mavericks gave up 69 after the break, too many for their offense. The Mavs backcourt was providing well. Wesley Matthews and Dennis Smith Jr. had 19 points apiece and backups Barea and Harris had 16 and 13 respectively. Dallas shot 48.2 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from downtown, so the offense did its part. It was the defense that caused the loss, allowing season-highs to both Aldridge and Pau Gasol, forcing too few turnovers and giving up way to many points on the fast break. Maxi Kleber started again but was properly schooled. Backup power forward Dwight Powell looked much better out there during his spell.
The Mavericks rarely play Nerlens Noel and Dorian Finney-Smith anymore, so it was no surprise that they weren’t featured in San Antonio, but they are also reportedly nursing some light injuries. Their next three games are in Dallas.
Brooklyn Nets at Dallas Mavericks Game Trends & Prediction
The Nets covered again, and it’s cash-in no.6 in a row, and eighth in the last ten (with the other two short by 1.5 points combined). This makes their season ATS record of 13-7 and 7-4 away from home. Despite the record-breaking three-point launch, the game vs. Houston stayed below the required number, making two unders in a row. Overall, the Nets are 10-8 against the over/under, but 4-6 on the road.
The Mavericks also covered, providing profit for the fourth time in five games (while the sole loss was in overtime to Boston), improving to 8-13 against the spread. They tend to be an under side at home, where they went 4-7-1 so far. Dallas is 8-12-1 against the total points lines this season.
Admi-Rank: Believing in the Mavericks finally paid off, as they’re backing their play with some results. Even the last loss doesn’t change the fact that they’re trending up. The Nets are coming from sunless depths, but aren’t dismal anymore. While they’re still losing most of their games, they also keep earning money, and that’s good enough for me.
While this game will probably be overlooked by the mainstream media, it’s actually a clash of two teams who love your support in term of investing money on their spread wins. Both are severely underrated, and bookies will be in a weird place having to fade Dallas because of the Nets injuries. Any mistake they make is a win-win for us though, as both sides have been making money when underrated. The Mavericks hunger for a win and the Nets refusal to give in are a perfect combination. Unfortunately, we are still not knowing the terms of this bargain, as the away side went silent on who might be available for the game.
It’s the same thing the bookmakers are awaiting to come forward with their offer, as too many players are in the flux right now, I’ll give you the number for most probable team news outcomes; for both cases, I’m counting on DeMarre Carroll to play:
(Crabbe playing, RHJ out) – Dallas -5.5 and over/under 209.5 points
(Crabbe, RHJ out) – Dallas -8 and over/under 207.5 points
My Pick: Mavericks -5.5 (-110)
Total: (odds yet to be released)
