The Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks are not doing their playoff hopes any favors with their recent losses. However, a win against one of their immediate rivals tonight would improve either team’s chances. Likewise, the Portland Trailblazers don’t want to get dragged any lower in the standings, and must take care of the Lakers in Los Angeles.
[sc:MarchMadness ]Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks (8:30 PM ET)
Line: Golden State Warriors (+4) at Dallas Mavericks (-4); total 204.5 (View Lines Here)
Betting on the Golden State Warriors
Despite Stephen Curry’s continued excellence, the Golden State Warriors still suffered a shock 89-84 loss to the New York Knicks, their second home loss in three games.
Curry led the Warriors with 32 points and went 6-12 from three. In his last seven games, Curry is averaging 29 PPG and shooting better than 52%. His running mate Klay Thompson is shooting just 4-17 from three and 38% overall in his last three games. Injured forward David Lee is not expected to play against the Mavericks.
The Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last eight visits to Dallas, and have gone under in four of their last five games.
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Dallas Mavericks will look to salvage a disappointing eight-game home stand with consecutive wins. The Mavs just edged the Sacramento Kings 103-100, putting them at just 4-3 SU and 2-5 ATS through their last seven games.
Dirk Nowitzki had an all-around game with 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists against the Kings. The German is in fine form as of late, averaging 24 PPG in his last three games. But after a recent hot streak, Monta Ellis is currently shooting just 32% in his last three games. Ellis is averaging just 13 points on 33% shooting in three career games against his former team.
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 home games against the Warriors.
Prediction
Dirk and the Mavs will edge Golden State in a high-scoring affair, but Stephen Curry’s shooting will allow the Warriors to cover another game in Dallas.
Portland Trailblazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 PM ET)
Line: Portland Trailblazers (-8.5) at Los Angeles Lakers (+8.5); total 220.5 (View Lines Here)
Betting on the Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers are definitely happy LaMarcus Aldridge is back. Since his return from injury, Portland is 3-0 SU/ATS in its last three games.
Aldridge was off his game in the second night of a back-to-back games against the Bulls, but bounced back with 28 points on 50% shooting to lead the Blazers to a 105-98 win over the Grizzlies. He had a massive 25-16 game in his first game back against the Hawks.
Aldridge’s return has also helped shore up the Portland defense. The Blazers are giving up just 86 PPG since his return. Their excellent three-point defense has also held all three opponents to sub-30% shooting. The total has gone under in Portland’s last 4 road games.
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers responded from an embarrassing 36-point loss at Minnesota to beat the playoff-chasing Phoenix Suns 115-99 at home. The Lakers are now 3-0 SU/ATS in their last three games at the Staples Center.
Nick Young is averaging 18 PPG in six games since his return from injury, while fellow swingman Jodie Meeks is putting in 17 PPG. The Lakers have shot 53% or better in their last two home games and are expected to have key offensive weapons Pau Gasol and Xavier Henry back in the line-up.
Los Angeles is an impressive 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at the Staples Center versus the Blazers.
Prediction
Aldridge will get his points against the porous Lakers defense, and Portland’s perimeter defense will shut down the Lakers’ swingmen for a comfortable Blazers cover.
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