NBA Preview: Mavs and Thunder Clash in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks face their first big test since learning that Caron Butler is done for the season. How will they fare when Kevin Durant and the OKC Thunder come to town.

Dallas must balance aggression with patience
The news that Caron Butler is done for the rest of the season only increases the pressure on Dallas to keep Dirk Nowitzki healthy. Nowitzki has missed the last five games with a knee sprain and is doubtful for tonight’s meeting with Oklahoma City. Not that the Mavs have suffered too much in his absence, entering this match-up on a 2 game winning streak and a healthy 26-8 record. Last year we saw how focussing on keeping stars healthy aided the Celtics in their run through the East and I expect Dallas to show similar care with the former MVP. Nowitzki will be used sparingly until he is fully healthy.

That’s bad news for Mavs fans tonight. The Thunder aren’t enjoying a great run as of late, entering this game on the back of two losses, but they still possess one of the most talented young outfits in the NBA. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two of the best scorers in the game today. Defense has been a concern for the Thunder but with Butler out and Nowitzki either out or limited, the Mavs won’t be firing on all cylinders tonight. If these teams meet in April I’ll probably go for Dallas in the series, but right now it’s January and the wounded Mavericks are there for the taking. Bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder to record a road win with Sports Interaction.

Nuggets will roll
The second half of tonight’s double-header on TNT should prove a less intriguing affair. The Denver Nuggets haven’t blazed a trail through the Western Conference this season but they have played reasonably well, especially against the lesser lights of the NBA. Sacramento certainly fit that description this season. With a pathetic 7-25 record, the Kings have little reason to be confident entering tonight’s game. The one factor going in their favor is a three game winning streak over the Nuggets in Arco Arena.

Accuracy will be a key issue in this game and Denver will need to improve on their awful 37.5 percent shooting performance in a loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. I like the Nuggets to step up and end their losing streak in Sacramento. Bet on the Denver Nuggets as -4.5 favorites with Sports Interaction.