Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons: How Can One Look Beyond Luka Doncic of the Mavericks?

• The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of an impressive win in their last game.
• The Detroit Pistons look to bounce back from one of their worst games of the season.
• The Mavericks swept their season series with the Pistons last year, 2-0.

Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons Odds

Odds and predictions taken from WynnBet

Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons Predictions and Picks

Not only are the Pistons missing two key players, but they've proven themselves to be one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Dallas will take advantage of their poor two-way play, and earn themselves a second win.

Picks:

Spread: Dallas Mavericks -7.0 (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons

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Dallas Mavericks Game Notes: Limit Extra Opportunities

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of an exciting win over the Golden State Warriors in their last match. It came down to the wire, but they'll have to regroup to take down the Detroit Pistons.

Entering this game the Dallas Mavericks own the league's fourth-best scoring defence, allowing just 107.6 points per game. The Pistons aren't exactly a great scoring threat, but they are first in free throw attempts per game (27.0) and 12th in offensive rebounds per game (11.3).

The Mavericks could get caught out if they can't match the efforts of the Detroit Pistons. If they can focus on preventing extra opportunities through offensive rebounds and free throws, they should be able to shut down the Detroit Pistons.

Mavericks Key Player: (G) Luka Doncic

How can one look beyond Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks? He's not only coming off of a win but his 51st triple-double in his young career. The Pistons need to be wary of the young star when they face off.

In his last game, a 116-113 win over the Warriors, Doncic posted 41 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals in 39 minutes of play. He shot an excellent 14 of 27 from the field while remaining uncharacteristically efficient from three by going 4 of 9.

The Mavericks' success can sometimes feel as if it's solely based on Doncic's scoring ability. Against the Pistons' poor defence, he'll certainly have more than his fair share of chances.

Detroit Pistons Game Notes: Detroit Needs to Sort out Their Defence

The Detroit Pistons certainly aren't known to be one of the league's stronger two-way teams, but their recent loss against the Knicks was a new low. With their offensive options stifled due to injury, the Pistons need to sort out their defence.

In their last game, a 140-110 loss to the Knicks, the Pistons defensive was like a sieve. They allowed New York to shoot 56.3% from the field and 45.7% from three-point range while still giving up 21 free throws.

Detroit can't afford the same defensive effort against the Dallas Mavericks. Detroit should need to establish their defensive presence inside, in order to get off to a good start against the Mavericks. Otherwise, their defence will overwhelm the young Pistons.

Pistons Key Player: (C) Isaiah Stewart

The Detroit Pistons were absolutely dreadful in their last match, being unable to control the defensive end at all. A small consolation for them was the play of young big man Isaiah Stewart, who has really expanded his game.

In Detroit's 110-140 loss to the Knicks, Stewart posted 19 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist on 6 of 13 from the field, with five of those coming from three-point range. Unfortunately, only four of his field goal attempts came inside the arc.

Stewart sets the tone for the Pistons so he needs to remain aggressive when they face the Mavericks. If he can be as efficient in the paint as he has been from range, the Pistons could upset the Mavericks.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons

• Who: Dallas Mavericks & Detroit Pistons
• Where: Little Caesers Arena, Detroit, MI
• When: 7:00 PM EST, Thursday, December 1, 2022
• How to Watch: NBA TV