Chris Boucher might be a favourite for Most Improved Player in the NBA so far. He had another big game with 20 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes on Saturday.
The Toronto Raptors get their first and perhaps only look this season at Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic on Monday night when the Mavs visit Tampa, Fla. The NBA odds are a bit in flux because Dallas has a handful of guys in COVID protocols.
It’s not yet clear if the Raptors will visit Dallas this season as the Mavs aren’t on the rest of Toronto’s first-half schedule and East teams won’t play some West teams twice in the shortened campaign.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Doncic is among the favourites to win his first NBA MVP Award this season, and there seems little doubt that the 21-year-old will be in contention for that award every year for the next decade. At that age, Doncic would likely be the No. 1 overall pick if the NBA’s 30 general managers held a draft regarding a player whom they wanted to build around the rest of this decade.
Kristaps Porzingis is also a very good player, but the Mavs are probably one more major piece from realistically contending for the Western Conference title.
These teams split last season, each winning at home and scoring exactly 110 points in the victory. Toronto’s home victory was very notable as the Dinos rallied from a 30-point third-quarter deficit to prevail 110-107, the biggest comeback win in franchise history and one of the biggest in league history. Doncic missed that game but had 26 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in the Mavs’ home win in the series. Porzingis averaged 19.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in the two. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam each played in one of the two for the Raptors.
Dallas is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in the past six meetings.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas lost its second in a row Sunday, upset 117-101 at home by Chicago despite a stellar triple-double of 36 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists from Doncic. Again, just 21 he broke a tie with a guy named Michael Jordan to move into 15th on the league’s all-time triple double list. Doncic, the seventh player ever with a 30/15/15 game, actually criticised himself afterward for playing a bit selfish. The Mavs were missing three starters and a total of six rotation players due to injury and the NBA’s health and safety protocols. It’s not clear if any of those guys will play here (sounds like Jalen Brunson at least will return). The Mavs have one Canadian on the roster in centre and Toronto native Dwight Powell. He starts sometimes and plays about 20 minutes per night but is one of those in the protocols. The Mavs are 2-8 ATS in their past 10 vs. teams with a losing record.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are 2-0 vs. the Charlotte Hornets and 2-8 vs. the rest of the league following a 116-113 win over the Hornets on Saturday in Tampa – we predicted a 113-109 win, so pretty close. Chris Boucher, Lowry and Fred Van Fleet converted eight straight free throws in the final two minutes. Boucher might be a favourite for Most Improved Player in the NBA so far as he had another big game with 20 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes off the bench. Norman Powell added a season-high 24 points off the bench. Centre Alex Len has missed the past two in the NBA’s protocols and will not play here. Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its past five after a win.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Mavericks vs. Raptors?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 18 Jan 2:47pm | DAL | -3.5 -110 | O +219.5 -110 |
| Closing 18 Jan 11:28pm | DAL | -4 -110 | O +222.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Mavericks Team Leaders
| Points |
27.73 |
| Assists |
8.59 |
| Rebounds |
8.86 |
| FG% |
63.2 |
| Steals |
1.03 |
| Blocks |
1.35 |
| Points |
21.36 |
| Assists |
7.35 |
| Rebounds |
7.58 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.67 |
| Blocks |
1.85 |
| Points |
35.71 |
| Assists |
10.29 |
| Rebounds |
8 |
| FG% |
87.5 |
| Steals |
1.29 |
| Blocks |
0.71 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Raptors Team Leaders
| Points |
27.73 |
| Assists |
8.59 |
| Rebounds |
8.86 |
| FG% |
63.2 |
| Steals |
1.03 |
| Blocks |
1.35 |
| Points |
21.36 |
| Assists |
7.35 |
| Rebounds |
7.58 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.67 |
| Blocks |
1.85 |
| Points |
35.71 |
| Assists |
10.29 |
| Rebounds |
8 |
| FG% |
87.5 |
| Steals |
1.29 |
| Blocks |
0.71 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
Injuries
Maxi Kleber (PF)
Maxi Kleber (PF)
Maxi Kleber (PF)
Maxi Kleber (PF)
Maxi Kleber (PF)
JJ Redick (SG)
JJ Redick (SG)
Maxi Kleber (PF)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG)
JJ Redick (SG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Jalen Harris (PG)
Yuta Watanabe (SG)
Chris Boucher (PF)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi Kleber (PF) | Prob Sun | Achilles - 05 / 06 / 21 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Kleber is nursing an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will participate in Game 7 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers. |
|||||
| Maxi Kleber (PF) | Prob Sun | Achilles - 29 / 05 / 21 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Kleber is nursing an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will participate in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers. |
|||||
| Maxi Kleber (PF) | Prob Fri | Achilles - 27 / 05 / 21 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Kleber is nursing an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers. |
|||||
| Maxi Kleber (PF) | Ques Tues | Achilles - 24 / 05 / 21 | 3-3 | 2-4 | + - |
|
Kleber is battling with right Achilles soreness, and it is unknown if he will he will take on the Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Maxi Kleber (PF) | Prob Sat | Achilles - 14 / 05 / 21 | 4-5 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Kleber is battling an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will take on the Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| JJ Redick (SG) | Mid June | Heel - 12 / 05 / 21 | 4-6 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Redick is sidelined with right heel soreness, and he is not expected to return to the court until at least the middle of June. |
|||||
| JJ Redick (SG) | Out Fri | Rest - 07 / 05 / 21 | 7-6 | 7-6 | + - |
|
Redick will not be active against the Cavaliers on Friday as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Maxi Kleber (PF) | Ques Tues | Achilles - 03 / 05 / 21 | 8-7 | 8-7 | + - |
|
Kleber has missed the last four games with a sore right Achilles, and it is unclear if he will lace up for Tuesday's clash against the Grizzlies. |
|||||
| Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG) | Ques Tues | Ankle - 02 / 05 / 21 | 9-8 | 10-7 | + - |
|
Hardaway missed the last game due to an ankle injury, and it is unclear if he will be in the lineup versus the Heat on Tuesday. |
|||||
| JJ Redick (SG) | Out Sat | Rest - 01 / 05 / 21 | 9-8 | 10-7 | + - |
|
Redick will not be in the lineup on Saturday against the Wizards, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Sun | Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Sunday's showdown with the Pacers as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Out Sun | Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
VanVleet will not line up against the Pacers on Sunday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Fri | Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Friday's showdown with the Mavericks as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Out Fri | Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
VanVleet will not line up against the Mavericks on Friday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Jalen Harris (PG) | Doub Fri | Foot - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Harris is nursing a foot injury, and he is not expected to dress for Friday's tilt with the Mavericks. |
|||||
| Yuta Watanabe (SG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 13 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Watanabe was held out of the previous game with a foot injury, and it is undetermined if he will face the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Chris Boucher (PF) | Ques Fri | Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Boucher missed the last game due to a left knee injury, and it is unknown if he will participate in Friday's contest with the Mavericks. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Thurs | Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Thursday's showdown with the Bulls as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Out Thurs | Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
VanVleet will not line up against the Bulls on Thursday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Tues | Rest - 10 / 05 / 21 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
|
Lowry will not be in the lineup against the Clippers on Tuesday, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 18 Jan 2:47pm DAL -3.5 -110 O +219.5 -110 Closing 18 Jan 11:28pm DAL -4 -110 O +222.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Mavericks Team Leaders
Points 27.73
Assists 8.59
Rebounds 8.86
FG% 63.2
Steals 1.03
Blocks 1.35
Points 21.36
Assists 7.35
Rebounds 7.58
FG% 100
Steals 1.67
Blocks 1.85
Points 35.71
Assists 10.29
Rebounds 8
FG% 87.5
Steals 1.29
Blocks 0.71
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Raptors Team Leaders
Points 27.73
Assists 8.59
Rebounds 8.86
FG% 63.2
Steals 1.03
Blocks 1.35
Points 21.36
Assists 7.35
Rebounds 7.58
FG% 100
Steals 1.67
Blocks 1.85
Points 35.71
Assists 10.29
Rebounds 8
FG% 87.5
Steals 1.29
Blocks 0.71
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks -
Injuries
Maxi Kleber (PF)
Prob Sun Achilles - 05 / 06 / 21Maxi Kleber (PF)
Prob Sun Achilles - 29 / 05 / 21Maxi Kleber (PF)
Prob Fri Achilles - 27 / 05 / 21Maxi Kleber (PF)
Ques Tues Achilles - 24 / 05 / 21Maxi Kleber (PF)
Prob Sat Achilles - 14 / 05 / 21JJ Redick (SG)
Mid June Heel - 12 / 05 / 21JJ Redick (SG)
Out Fri Rest - 07 / 05 / 21Maxi Kleber (PF)
Ques Tues Achilles - 03 / 05 / 21Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG)
Ques Tues Ankle - 02 / 05 / 21JJ Redick (SG)
Out Sat Rest - 01 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21Fred VanVleet (PG)
Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21Fred VanVleet (PG)
Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21Jalen Harris (PG)
Doub Fri Foot - 14 / 05 / 21Yuta Watanabe (SG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 13 / 05 / 21Chris Boucher (PF)
Ques Fri Rest - 12 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21Fred VanVleet (PG)
Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Tues Rest - 10 / 05 / 21Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Maxi Kleber (PF) Prob Sun Achilles - 05 / 06 / 21 1-1 0-2 + - Kleber is nursing an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will participate in Game 7 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers.
Maxi Kleber (PF) Prob Sun Achilles - 29 / 05 / 21 2-3 2-3 + - Kleber is nursing an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will participate in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers.
Maxi Kleber (PF) Prob Fri Achilles - 27 / 05 / 21 2-3 2-3 + - Kleber is nursing an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers.
Maxi Kleber (PF) Ques Tues Achilles - 24 / 05 / 21 3-3 2-4 + - Kleber is battling with right Achilles soreness, and it is unknown if he will he will take on the Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round.
Maxi Kleber (PF) Prob Sat Achilles - 14 / 05 / 21 4-5 5-4 + - Kleber is battling an Achilles injury, but it is anticipated that he will take on the Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
JJ Redick (SG) Mid June Heel - 12 / 05 / 21 4-6 6-4 + - Redick is sidelined with right heel soreness, and he is not expected to return to the court until at least the middle of June.
JJ Redick (SG) Out Fri Rest - 07 / 05 / 21 7-6 7-6 + - Redick will not be active against the Cavaliers on Friday as he will receive a day of rest.
Maxi Kleber (PF) Ques Tues Achilles - 03 / 05 / 21 8-7 8-7 + - Kleber has missed the last four games with a sore right Achilles, and it is unclear if he will lace up for Tuesday's clash against the Grizzlies.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG) Ques Tues Ankle - 02 / 05 / 21 9-8 10-7 + - Hardaway missed the last game due to an ankle injury, and it is unclear if he will be in the lineup versus the Heat on Tuesday.
JJ Redick (SG) Out Sat Rest - 01 / 05 / 21 9-8 10-7 + - Redick will not be in the lineup on Saturday against the Wizards, as he will be given a day of rest.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Sunday's showdown with the Pacers as he will receive a day of rest.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - VanVleet will not line up against the Pacers on Sunday as he will be given a day of rest.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Friday's showdown with the Mavericks as he will receive a day of rest.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - VanVleet will not line up against the Mavericks on Friday as he will be given a day of rest.
Jalen Harris (PG) Doub Fri Foot - 14 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - Harris is nursing a foot injury, and he is not expected to dress for Friday's tilt with the Mavericks.
Yuta Watanabe (SG) Ques Sun Ankle - 13 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Watanabe was held out of the previous game with a foot injury, and it is undetermined if he will face the Pacers on Sunday.
Chris Boucher (PF) Ques Fri Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Boucher missed the last game due to a left knee injury, and it is unknown if he will participate in Friday's contest with the Mavericks.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Thursday's showdown with the Bulls as he will receive a day of rest.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - VanVleet will not line up against the Bulls on Thursday as he will be given a day of rest.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Tues Rest - 10 / 05 / 21 1-3 1-3 + - Lowry will not be in the lineup against the Clippers on Tuesday, as he will be given a day of rest.