Mavericks vs Nets Predictions: Can the Nets Find Their Shooting Touch?

• The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of a lost and look to even their record at 2-2.
• The Brooklyn Nets are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss in their last game.
• The Mavericks and Nets split last season's regular season series, 1-1.

Dallas Mavericks vs Brooklyn Nets Predictions and Picks

Not only are the Brooklyn Nets struggling to score the ball, but they've opened the season as one of the league's worst defensive teams. The Dallas Mavericks have their own defensive issues, but their offensive versatility should win them the day.

Picks:

Dallas Mavericks def. Brooklyn Nets (-105)

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Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs Brooklyn Nets

Injury Report

DAL: The Mavericks need to protect the rim

The Dallas Mavericks had some issues from the jump in their first game. Due to their inability to defend at the rim, the Mavericks were set back early and had to claw their way back into the game.

The Mavericks' defending to open their last game was terrible. They allowed the Pelicans to score 40 points on 73.9% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from three-point range. They assisted on 10 of their field goals and carried that momentum even without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson in the lineup.

Dallas are far from a good interior defensive team, allowing opponents to shoot 56.3% inside the arc. If they hope to beat a Nets team who are first in two-point field goals efficiency, they'll need to do control play at the rim.

Mavericks Key Player: (G) Luka Doncic

After a narrow loss in his last game, Luka Doncic is looking to avenge a brilliant losing performance with a win. While he is without a doubt the engine that drives the Mavericks' offence, his efficiency will determine if the Mavericks can beat the Nets.

In his last match, Luka Doncic was near unstoppable. He posted 37 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and a block in 36 minutes of play. He shot an excellent 16 of 30 from the field but was a dreadful 2 of 13 from three-point range.

While the Mavericks are strong, Doncic needs to maintain his level as the game goes on. Against the offensive potential of the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas' own attack can't falter with Doncic at the lead.

BKN: Can the Nets find their shooting touch?

The Brooklyn Nets put up a good fight against the Milwaukee Bucks in their last match, but it still resulted in a loss. There is a lot that you could look at, but for all the talent on the Nets roster, their shooting struggles continue to surprise.

In their 110-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nets shot just 7 of 27 from three-point range and 34 of 86 overall. They were unable to overcome the Bucks' defence, as no player but Royce O'Neale were able to punish Milwaukee on kick-outs.

The Dallas Mavericks aren't a great rim-protecting team, so they tend to collapse on the paint. If Brooklyn can't capitalize on opportunities from range, it'll be another blowout loss for the star-studded team.

Nets Key Player: (G) Ben Simmons

While the Brooklyn Nets have not met expectations, you could say the same thing about guard Ben Simmons. The Australian international entered this season with much fanfare, but he's yet to put on a performance that gives fans much to talk about.

Through four games Simmons is averaging 5.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. He's been incredibly passive on offence, averaging just 4.3 field goal attempts per game despite shooting 53.8% from the field.

More than just his offensive contributions, Simmons is one of the league's better defenders despite his struggles this season. Against Luka Doncic, Simmons needs to try to reign in the MVP-level guard while also making an impact in the scoring department. Simmons is crucial to the Nets' aspirations of getting back on track.

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