Bucks vs. Mavericks Prediction: NBA Odds, Point Spread
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Andrew Rogers
It was supposed to be a matchup between two of the most electrifying young players in the NBA – but it looks like at least one of those two mega-stars will be sidelined as the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful for the game with a lingering knee injury, an absence that would leave Milwaukee in a difficult position against standout guard Luka Doncic and the Mavs.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Dallas is currently a 1.5-point favourite to win on the NBA odds, but that line will likely shift depending on the status of Antetokounmpo and any other key players who are considered questionable. The Bucks have been one of the worst cover options in the NBA in recent weeks, having gone just 2-6 against the spread in their previous eight games. The Mavericks, meanwhile, have covered in five of their previous six games overall and are 7-1 ATS in their last seven home meetings against Milwaukee.
The Mavericks have the support of 57 per cent of the Sports Interaction betting public, and that number should grow when/if Giannis is officially ruled out. The total is more decisive, with two-thirds of respondents siding with the O226.5 (which carries identical -110 odds to the U226.5). Dallas’ improved defence has had an enormous impact on its totals record, with the Mavs on a five-game Under streak and boasting a 20-30 O/U mark for the season.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks will certainly miss Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists with a 33.97 Player Efficiency Rating that ranks second in the NBA. But Milwaukee has players capable of picking up the offensive slack, including forward Khris Middleton and point guard Jrue Holiday. The duo combine to average 37.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game, while shooting a combined 50 per cent from the floor.
Dallas Mavericks
As great as the Mavericks looked and played during their five-game winning streak, they were downright dreadful in a run-busting 102-93 loss to the lowly Houston Rockets on Wednesday. They’ll be happy to catch a break, though, with Giannis likely to miss this one. He had 31 points (despite going just 1-for-10 from the free-throw line) to lead the Bucks to a 112-109 win over the Mavs on Jan. 15, spoiling a triple-double from Doncic (28 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds).
MIL
DAL