Denver (23-15) at Dallas (22-17)
- When: Jan 14 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
The Denver Nuggets head into Tuesday night’s rematch with the Dallas Mavericks as 3.5-point favorites, looking to extend their winning streak to four games. Denver has been on a roll, winning seven of its last nine matchups, while the Mavericks have faltered, dropping six of their past eight contests.
Betting Breakdown and Game Prediction
Sunday’s clash saw Denver secure a 112-101 victory with a dominant fourth-quarter performance, outscoring Dallas 33-12 to erase a 12-point deficit. Russell Westbrook was pivotal, posting 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists on an efficient 10-for-17 shooting night. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic continued his stellar play with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists—just missing another triple-double.
Jokic’s numbers are MVP-caliber yet again this season. He’s averaging 31.2 points per game while shooting a blistering 47.1% from deep, far surpassing his previous career-high 3-point percentage of 39.6%. If you’re looking for a prop bet, Jokic’s points + assists over could be a solid choice as he thrives against a shorthanded Dallas team.
Denver’s Depth Shines
The return of Aaron Gordon (calf) from a nine-game absence gave the Nuggets another scoring threat, as he added 13 points and six rebounds on Sunday. Denver’s balanced offensive attack makes them difficult to defend, and their ability to control the glass—especially with Jokic and Gordon—is a significant edge. Look for Gordon’s rebounds prop to hold value here.
Dallas’s Uphill Battle
The Mavericks’ recent struggles can be largely attributed to the absence of their two stars, Luka Doncic (calf strain) and Kyrie Irving (back sprain). Doncic’s continued absence through Tuesday will disqualify him from MVP eligibility, but coach Jason Kidd remains optimistic about the team’s resilience. Klay Thompson stepped up for Dallas with 25 points, including six 3-pointers, marking his first 20-point performance since December. However, the Mavericks blew a 19-point lead, highlighting their lack of late-game execution without their stars.
Key Trends and Betting Picks
The Nuggets have covered the spread in five of their last seven road games.
The Mavericks, despite their recent losses, tend to keep games competitive at home and are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 as home underdogs.
The over/under sits at 234.0 points, and with both teams showcasing scoring bursts—particularly Denver’s potent offense—the over could hit, even with Dallas shorthanded.
Best Bets
Nuggets -3.5: Denver’s offensive depth and Jokic’s MVP-level play give them the edge.
Over 234.0 points: Both teams have the capability to score in bunches, and Sunday’s matchup showed that despite missing key players, this could turn into a high-scoring affair.
Player Prop: Jokic over 51.5 points + rebounds + assists for another all-around performance.
Prediction:
Expect Denver to capitalize on its momentum and Dallas’s injury woes. The Nuggets’ well-rounded approach and clutch shooting late in games should help them secure a second straight win over the Mavs, covering the spread with a scoreline around 121-115.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
