Dallas Mavericks (15-9) vs. Denver Nuggets (17-9)
Mavericks vs. Nuggets December 18, 2023 – Dallas Mavericks (15-9) will face Denver Nuggets (17-9). This exciting matchup at Ball Arena and NBA TV promises to be an exhilarating battle between these powerful Western Conference squads; therefore fans seeking free NBA picks today should pay attention as these teams bring their A game onto the hardwood court!
Mavericks vs. Nuggets December 18, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Monday, December 18 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | NBA TV |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Luka Doncic PG vs. Nikola Jokic C
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks has been outstanding this season. Averaging 32.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game, Doncic has shown his ability to take control of games on the court; yet his 4 turnovers per game highlight an exploitable weakness which must be dealt with if Doncic wants to continue leading his Mavericks into high-stakes encounters like this one. His performance will be crucial to his team when facing competitive games that require his participation like this one.
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is another standout performer on both offense and defense, averaging 27.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, along with an impressive 3.5 assist-to-turnover ratio and slightly increased foul rate that may pose problems during tight games.
When these two key players collide on the court, it becomes a test of Doncic’s offensive prowess against Jokic’s all-around dominance. Doncic’s scoring prowess and playmaking ability will test Jokic’s defensive abilities while Jokic’s rebounding and inside scoring could challenge Mavericks defense schemes; their faceoff may ultimately determine both tempo and outcome of game play.
Mavericks’ Scoring Prowess: A Double-Edged Sword
The Dallas Mavericks’ offensive strategy relies heavily on their three-point shooting, both an area of strength and vulnerability for them. On average, 15.9 threes were made per game at 37.4% success rate, making them a formidable threat from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic’s sharpshooting allows the Mavericks to quickly rack up points quickly and stretch opposing defenses quickly, but this strategy can sometimes backfire: when their shooting falls flat, their team struggles to maintain scoring momentum and remain competitive. However, their high-scoring offensive game becomes predictable and easier for teams specializing in perimeter defense to stop. Their reliance on three-pointers highlights their unpredictable scoring capabilities, which makes their scoring capabilities both an asset and liability in tight games.
Nuggets’ Balanced Attack and Rebounding Superiority
Denver Nuggets have adopted a more balanced offensive strategy and strong rebounding game, led by Nikola Jokic. Their average of 44.1 field goals per game with 48.9% shooting rate shows how effective and varied their offense can be. Contrary to their Mavericks counterparts, the Nuggets don’t rely as heavily on three-point shooting; instead focusing on interior scoring and midrange efficiency. This diversification makes them less predictable and harder for opposing defenses to predict and stop. Rebounding at 44.5 per game has provided them with extra opportunities for second-chance points and limited opponents’ scoring opportunities. Furthermore, their approach of combining an aggressive offensive attack with dominant rebounding makes them an imposing opponent when it comes to controlling pace and flow of the game.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
Betting odds for this matchup have not yet been released; however, given both teams’ records and performances thus far, betting enthusiasts should keep an eye on any changing odds that arise as game day nears.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
The Mavericks are currently 3-2 in their last five games and boast an even record against the spread. Impressively, they’ve even gone 7-4 on their road games against the spread! Their games tend to feature high scores with four out of their last five totaling OVER, signifying strong offensive plays but potentially poor defense plays.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have had an up and down run recently, with three of their last five games going over, but only 1-3 against the spread in these contests. Their road game record against the spread is also concerning at 3-10. Like Mavericks games, these Nuggets encounter high scoring affairs; with total scores going OVER in three of these five contests.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Picks
Based on the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, this game seems likely to be high-scoring affair and placing bets on the over could be lucrative. While Mavericks might have an edge with their offensive play, Nuggets cannot be discounted due to their rebounding prowess and home court advantage.
Mavericks may be an appealing pick due to their impressive scoring capabilities and road game performance against the spread, while prop bets on individual player performances–especially key ones like Doncic and Jokic–could also prove fruitful. When placing bets online it is wise to visit one of the best USA sportsbooks for latest odds and options.
Receiving Yards Prop: Dallas Mavericks 115, Denver Nuggets 110
