Mavericks vs. Raptors Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
The greatest European player in NBA history is without question the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki, who ranks sixth all-time in points scored in the league. Alas, Nowitzki is currently injured so Raptors fans won’t get to see him play when Dallas visit Toronto on Friday night.
The most touted European prospect in NBA history is Mavericks rookie point forward Luka Doncic. The team essentially swapped the No. 5 overall pick (and a future first-rounder) for the No. 3 with Atlanta in this year’s draft to land Doncic, who was the youngest-ever MVP of the Euroleague, which is the second-best basketball league on the planet. The Mavs are thrilled with Doncic in the early going, and he’s a top Rookie of the Year candidate.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Dallas and Toronto split last year, each winning a close game at home – the one in Toronto went to overtime. Eight of the last 10 meetings between the teams have been decided by eight points or less and the Raptors have won seven of them, including three straight at home. Harrison Barnes was the best Dallas player vs. the Raptors in 2017-18, averaging 21.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. Mavericks forward/centre Dwight Powell is a native of Toronto and has played for the Canadian national team.
The total has gone under in seven of the past nine meetings.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas was a slight favourite in Atlanta on Wednesday but lost 111-104 in the first meeting between stellar rookies Doncic and the Hawks’ Trae Young. The Mavericks blew a 26-point advantage, the third-biggest blown lead in franchise history. Doncic finished with 21 points and nine rebounds. Wesley Matthews led Dallas with 23 points, launching a whopping 14 three-pointers.
New Maverick DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and 16 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double, tying a Dallas franchise record to open the season. Barnes hasn’t played yet this year due to a hamstring injury but is hopeful Friday is the night.
Toronto Raptors
We projected a 114-105 Raptors home win over Minnesota on Wednesday – it was 112-105 as Toronto remained one of two unbeatens in the Eastern Conference (Milwaukee). The Raptors’ 5-0 start matches a franchise best. For the first time in franchise history, Toronto has won five consecutive games despite allowing 100 or more points in each. Kawhi Leonard had a season-high 35 points, and Kyle Lowry another double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Jonas Valanciunas was big again off the bench with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Mixed injury news on backup guards Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright. VanVleet sat with turf toe (but there’s no turf in basketball?) and Wright made his season debut off a groin strain but felt some tightness and lasted just five minutes.
