The Denver Nuggets visit the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 9:30 PM ET. Denver enters this matchup with momentum, riding a three-game winning streak, including a 112-101 victory over Dallas on Sunday. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have struggled recently, losing six of their last eight games.
This will be the final regular-season meeting between the two Western Conference foes. Denver leads the season series 2-1. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning in the tightly contested Western Conference, with Denver holding the fourth spot at 23-15 and Dallas in fifth at 22-17.
Denver Nuggets Preview – Jokic Continues MVP Form
The Nuggets are led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is having another stellar season. Jokic is averaging 31.2 points per game, hitting 47.1% from beyond the arc, and contributing heavily in rebounds and assists. On Sunday, he recorded 19 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists in Denver’s win over Dallas, just missing a triple-double.
Denver’s balanced attack also includes Russell Westbrook, who had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in the previous matchup. Aaron Gordon returned from injury with a solid performance, adding 13 points and six rebounds. The Nuggets boast the league’s second-best field goal percentage (49.9%) and rank third in scoring at 120.4 points per game.
With a focus on efficiency and defense, Denver will look to replicate its dominant fourth quarter from Sunday, where they outscored Dallas 33-12 to seal the win.
Dallas Mavericks Preview – Searching for Stability
The Mavericks continue to navigate a tough stretch without their stars Luka Dončić (calf strain) and Kyrie Irving (back sprain). Despite the absences, Klay Thompson stepped up on Sunday, scoring 25 points with six three-pointers. However, Dallas squandered a 19-point lead in the loss.
Dallas has relied on Spencer Dinwiddie and Klay Thompson to carry the offensive load. Dinwiddie had 16 points and 10 assists in Sunday’s game, while rookie Dereck Lively II contributed 14 points and six rebounds. Still, the Mavericks’ offense has been inconsistent, averaging 104.6 points over their last five games.
With limited depth and scoring options, Dallas will need to control the tempo and rely on defensive intensity to keep this game close against a high-powered Denver squad.
Betting Prediction
Denver is a 3.5-point favorite, with the total set at 232.5. Given Denver’s recent form and Dallas’ struggles without Dončić and Irving, the Nuggets are well-positioned to cover the spread. Jokic’s dominance and the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency should be too much for the Mavericks to handle.
The predicted final score is Denver 118, Dallas 108. Denver should cover the spread, and the total is expected to go under given Dallas’ offensive limitations.
Pick: Denver -3.5, Under 232.5
