Spurs vs Mavericks Betting Odds - Injuries will hurt Dallas defense against experienced Spurs
Sports betting players are usually treated to a good game when these Lone Star rivals get together, and Wednesday should be no exception as Dallas hosts San Antonio. These two teams figure to battle it out in the Southwest Division this season, and the Mavericks have gotten off to a quick start, but the Spurs will get the victory in due to Dallas injuries.
| WHAT: NBA betting |
| WHEN: Wednesday, November 18, 9:30 PM ET |
| WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| KEY STAT: Dallas has won six of their last 10 against San Antonio |
| PICK: Spurs; OVER |
Spurs vs Mavericks betting odds maker breakdown: THE STORYLINE
This is the second meeting in a week for these Texas rivals, and the Spurs won 92-83 at home behind 29 points from Richard Jefferson. However, the Spurs trail the Mavericks by 2.5 games in the Southwest, and Dallas is off to a flying start with eight wins in their first 11 games.
Spurs vs Mavericks betting odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE
Jefferson has slotted into the small-forward spot nicely, becoming another scoring option to Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Michael Finley brings experience and outside shooting, while Matt Bonner is undersized, but scrappy in the post.
Dirk Nowitzki leads the way for Dallas, and his buzzer-beater in Monday’s 115-113 overtime win over Milwaukee was another big moment for the German sharpshooter. Erick Dampier is grabbing almost 10 boards per game, and Jason Kidd is the floor general of the squad. Shawn Marion may be asked to score more due to the injury to Josh Howard, who is out indefinitely after coming back too early from his ankle surgery. That means the starting two-guard is Rodrigue Beaubois, a rookie guard from France that has scored 26 points in his last two games.
Betting Edge: Draw
Spurs vs Mavericks odds maker breakdown: BENCH
Manu Ginobili was the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year, and he’s tied with Jefferson at 15.6 points. The Spurs had to get another swingman-type player as Ginobili spent most of last season injured, which pretty much killed San Antonio’s sportsbook chances. Rookie DeJuan Blair and Antonio McDyess can spell Duncan and Bonner, while George Hill can fill it up off the bench.
Jason Terry took advantage of Ginobili’s injury to claim the Sixth Man award, and he’s off to a great start with 17.4 points, which is second on the team behind Nowitzki. However, losing Howard forced the Mavericks’ hand with Beaubois, which leaves JJ Barea as Dallas’ best guard off the pine. Drew Gooden and Kris Humpries are bangers who give Nowitzki and Dampier a break, but Gooden will start if Dampier can’t go.
Betting Edge: Spurs
Spurs vs Mavericks betting odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Spurs are eighth in scoring, as five players average at least 12.0 points. The idea is to spread out the scoring so Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are fresh for the playoffs, and the rest of the squad buys into that. San Antonio also picks their spots, as they’re shooting 46.4% from the floor.
The Mavericks are just behind them in 10th, but again, the loss of Howard hurts a lot. After Nowitzki and Terry, Howard got his shots and then some, and he has a natural ability to score. Can Beaubois fill at least some of the void?
Betting Edge: Spurs
Spurs vs Mavericks betting odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
San Antonio is a surprising 17th in points allowed, which is startling for a team that is known for their tough defense. The Spurs don’t have a scary shot-blocker to alter shots as Duncan can’t fill that role anymore, and the perimeter defenders are slowing down. Opponents are shooting 46.7% from the field against the Spurs.
The Mavericks are ninth in points allowed, holding teams to 94.6 points and a 42.9% shooting percentage. Dampier has been a force down low, but he’s battling an illness and may be out for this game. That hurts the Mavericks in the post, because now Nowitzki becomes their best down-low defender. Marion’s versatility would come in handy, but he sprained his ankle against the Bucks on Monday.
Betting Edge: Mavericks
Spurs vs Mavericks betting odds maker breakdown: BETTING PREDICTION
Dallas should be favored at home, where they’ve won three of their first four, and they’ve won six of their last 10 against the Spurs despite last week’s loss in San Antonio. Both offenses are clicking, so the over should look appetizing even though they went under last week. The Spurs and Mavericks should shoot better on Wednesday, especially San Antonio, who were missing Duncan and Parker. The losses of Dampier and Marion stings the Mavericks’ defense, and the Spurs have enough experience to take advantage.
PICK: Spurs; OVER
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