Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Nuggets look to extend their win streak to four.
• The Mavericks host the Nuggets, before an upcoming four-game road trip.
• The Nuggets won their earlier meeting with the Mavericks this season in a blowout.

Nuggets vs Mavericks Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

Two teams that are incredibly dependent on their star player to lead them to victory, the play of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic is something that will define the game. Dallas’ secondary scorers should help them bring the season series level.

Picks:

Dallas Mavericks def. Denver Nuggets (-190)

Over 209.0 (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks

Injury Report

How Can the Nuggets Beat the Mavericks?

The Nuggets are coming off of a solid win over the Atlanta Hawks. If there is one thing they need to carry over from that game, it is their effort defending the three-point line.

Dallas is tenth in the league in three-pointers made per game, but in the bottom third in terms of three-point shooting percentage. They shoot a high volume, but they’re not always the best shots.

The Nuggets held the Hawks to 17.9% shooting from deep in their last game due to excellent effort on closeouts and defensive communications. Against another perimeter-oriented team in Dallas, the Nuggets must maintain their effort.

Nuggets Key Player: (F) Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon soaaaars in on League Pass!

Watch here: https://t.co/5QqkBhf1W0 pic.twitter.com/WzumlBuAvQ

— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2021

The Nuggets swung for the fences when they acquired Aaron Gordon from the Magic last season. A serial underachiever in Orlando, Gordon seems to have settled into a role with Denver.

In his last game, a win over the Hawks, Gordon posted 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was excellent on the defensive end too, collecting 3 blocks and 2 steals on the evening.

Gordon is not always a reliable offensive threat, but on the defensive end he can make an impact. If Gordon can contain some of Dallas’ secondary scorers, the Nuggets have a great shot at victory.

How Can the Mavericks beat the Nuggets?

The Nuggets are an efficient shooting team who are happy to slow down the pace if that means they can acquire better shots. When Dallas takes them on, they need to control the tempo of play.

It isn’t an issue of speed, as the Mavericks are one of the worst in the league in terms of breakpoints – just 9.3 per game. But they need to get off to a strong start, as they usually struggle in the first quarter.

Despite averaging just 25.4 points per first quarter, the Mavericks, in their last game, scored 31. Doncic and Porzingis led the way, and it opened up opportunities for their teammates. A strong start will relieve the pressure from their less than stellar bench.

Mavericks Key Player: (F-C) Kristaps Porzingis

? PORZINGIS LOGO BUZZER BEATER ? pic.twitter.com/eO76SkcADT

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 13, 2021

Despite missing five games through the early season, Kristaps Porzingis seems to finally be rounding into form. In a matchup with Jokic, he needs to make an impact.

In his last game against the Spurs, Porzingis was brilliant. He posted 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 12 of 22 shooting from the field.

Jokic is the engine that drives the Nuggets, so Porzingis needs to do everything in his power to challenge him on the defensive end. Porzingis has the potential to be an issue for any Nuggets defender, he could open up the entire game for Dallas.

How to Watch Nuggets vs Mavericks