Woe, are the Dallas Mavericks. They were blown out at Portland on Thursday night, and then have to hightail toward NBA-best Golden State Friday night. Despite their big loss, the Mavericks remain dangerous underdogs capable of beating even the best teams in the highly-competitive Western Conference.
Is it time for Dallas to upset the Warriors? Read on as we give you everything you need to know heading into this game.
For some more Western Conference matchups, take a look at our complete preview for the Blazers vs. Timerwolves.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors Preview
Where: ORACLE Arena, Oakland
When: Friday, March 6, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Dallas Mavericks (+10) at Golden State Warriors (-10); total 211.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks had one of their worst offensive performances in the past few years on Thursday night. The Mavs struggled to find their groove in the second half as Portland outscored them 54-39 en route to a 94-75 rout. It was the fewest points scored by Dallas since a 95-74 loss to Toronto in December 2012.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Prior to Thursday night, Monta Ellis had shot 37.6 percent from the floor since hurting his hip just before the All-Star break. He shot 25 percent at Portland, but led all Dallas starters with 12 points. His struggles may continue considering he shot 36.8 percent in his last visit to ORACLE Arena.
Tyson Chandler’s return should give Dallas an offensive spark up front against Golden State’s less-than-stellar frontcourt. He’s averaging a double-double against the Warriors this season, with 16 points and 14.5 rebounds. He had 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting and 17 rebounds in his last trip to Golden State.
Amar’e Stoudemire could also be of use off the bench. He has scored 26 points in 25 minutes of play in two games as Chandler’s backup.
Even with the possibility of Chandler and Stoudemire putting up competent numbers, the Mavs may be in a bind considering Dirk Nowitzki’s struggles on the road. He has averaged 13.3 points on 33.3 percent shooting in his last four games away from home.
The Mavs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as underdogs of eight points or more.
Think Dallas has what it takes to keep up with the young Warriors? Create a betting account now and put your pick to the test.
Betting on the Golden State Warriors
It’s very difficult to stop Stephen Curry, even on his off days. Golden State’s MVP candidate had one of his worst games of the year against struggling Milwaukee. He missed eight of his first 10 shots, but still had enough confidence to hit three consecutive shots from long range to give the Dubs a lead they wouldn’t concede. The Dubs took a comfortable 102-93 win, their seventh over the past 10 games.
Curry finished with 19 points and 11 assists. He had his 60th game with at least five three-pointers and five assists. He could have his 61st such game tonight after he went a whopping 10-for-16 from downtown and four assists in his last game against Dallas. Curry finished with a season-high 51 points in that 128-114 drubbing of Dallas on February 4.
Curry’s excellent running mate, Klay Thompson, has been a thorn on Dallas’ side this season, burying a combined nine three-pointers over two games. Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green are also capable sharpshooters, each burying at least one three per game this season.
With all their sharpshooters, the Dubs should be able to take advantage of Dallas’ awful three-point defense this season. The Mavs rank near the bottom of the league in three-point defense (36.4 percent) and have allowed opponents to shoot 42.8 percent from downtown over their last three games.
Golden State has won five straight against Dallas, going 4-1 against the spread in those games.
Writer’s Prediction
Golden State (-10) blows out Dallas.
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