Prediction

The Mavericks made notable improvements last season by adding players like Gafford and Washington, which strengthened their defense. The team went on a playoff run, defeating strong opponents to win the Western Conference Championship, although they were eventually defeated by the Celtics in the NBA Finals. This season, the Mavericks lost key defenders Jones and Josh Green, but strengthened their roster with Thompson. Their performance so far has been solid, but their defensive efficiency has declined. In their last game, the Mavericks dominated the Pelicans with a 41-point victory. The entire team shot over 50% from the field, with Luka Dončić leading the way with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Thompson contributed efficiently with 19 points.

The Nuggets won the championship two seasons ago, but last season, they failed to add significant reinforcements. They lost key players like Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, causing their second unit’s performance to drop, ultimately falling in the Western Conference semifinals. This season, the Nuggets lost Pope but added Russell Westbrook to their roster. Despite the addition, the team’s overall strength has weakened, although Nikola Jokić remains at the top of his game, though his heavy workload is concerning. In their last game, the Nuggets defeated the Grizzlies by 12 points. Jokić was once again absent, but Jamal Murray scored 27 points and recorded 6 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points and 10 rebounds. Westbrook contributed off the bench with a triple-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists.

In their first matchup, the Nuggets narrowly defeated the Mavericks at home. The two teams have had similar performances so far this season, but with the Nuggets playing at home, their chances of winning are boosted. We expect the Nuggets to edge out the Mavericks in this game.

Pick: Nuggets -3.0 (bet365)