Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Betting Preview: Health Likely to Determine Nuggets’ Fate Against Visiting Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks could not have looked worse in their opening game of the NBA season, a 26-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Since then, they are 3-0.

The Nuggets are playing below my preseason expectations. I thought they would be able to survive without Jamal Murray to start the season thanks to an overwhelming frontcourt. That has not been the case, however.

The Nuggets are favored at home, and Denver is always a tough trip. Tonight’s matchup with the Mavs likely comes down to which star, Doncic or Jokic, plays the best. If both play, that is.

Dallas Mavericks (3-1) vs Denver Nuggets (2-2), ESPN, 10:00 p.m. ET

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets NBA Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Dallas Mavericks +110
• Denver Nuggets -130

Total

• OVER 216 (-108)
• UNDER 216 (-112)

Spread

• Dallas Mavericks +2 (-110)
• Denver Nuggets -2 (-110)

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets NBA betting odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Friday, October 29, 2021 at 3:40 p.m. ET.

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets NBA Betting Picks

Check out our NBA betting picks for Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets here: Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Matchup: NBA Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

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Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Bets Bet

Dallas +2

The Mavericks have won three straight but covered just once, so they are not overwhelming opponents. Luka Doncic is leading the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. None of that is a surprise, but his shooting has been down so far. He still has a ton of gravity, but as a high usage guy he needs to be more efficient. The same goes for Kristaps Porzingis. He is off to a rough start and might miss this game due to injury.

That injury loss for the Mavs might not matter as much if Nikola Jokic is out too for Denver. He left the Nuggets’ last game and is questionable for tonight. He did not miss a game in his MVP run last year, and the Nuggets have nothing close to a reasonable replacement for the best center in the NBA. His absence is magnified with Jamal Murray still out and Michael Porter Jr. really struggling. If the latter is truly worth the extension he received in the offseason, he needs to start showing it.

This play is made with the assumption that Jokic doesn’t play tonight. Perhaps Porzingis doesn't either, but his loss is much less significant. If Dallas has their main man on the floor and Denver doesn’t, that should tip the advantage in their favor.

Prop Watch: Dallas First Quarter Winner/Match Winner +220

Look for Dallas to get off to a good start tonight and carry that momentum to a win. I am not expecting a blowout, but with Doncic leading the way they should be able to start fast and go from there. No Jokic for Denver takes away their best weapon in terms of creating easy offense. That is tough to overcome.

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Score Prediction

Dallas Mavericks 105, Denver Nuggets 100