Revenge has got to be on the minds of the Dallas Mavericks when they square off with the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena for the second time this season. The Mavs fell short against the Thunder in their first meeting last November. Can they succeed in giving the Thunder a taste of their own medicine? Or will OKC win this one again?
[sc:NBA250 ]Read on below for a complete breakdown of this intriguing showdown. And if you’re craving for more hoops action, check out our previews of the Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Los Angeles Clippers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City
When: Wednesday, January 13, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Dallas Mavericks (+8) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-8); total: 214.0– view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: FSSW, FSOK
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks (22-17)
Following a 93-87 win at the expense of Minnesota, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t sustain their momentum as they bowed down to the visiting Cavaliers last night in overtime, 110-107. LeBron James’ 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists were just enough to hold them off down the stretch.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Despite the loss, the Mavericks should be happy about the way Chandler Parsons played in that game. He ended with a season-high 25 points (10-of-14) along with eight rebounds and an assist. Dallas will hope that Parsons can keep this up when it goes mano-a-mano with another formidable opponent in the form of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key to their success will be their balanced offensive attack. Four of the Mavericks’ starting five are averaging double-digits in points this year with Dirk Nowitzki (17.7 PPG) leading way.
Speaking of Nowitzki, he’s averaged 22.0 PPG and 7.5 RPG in 62 career games against the Sonics/Thunder. But he was just held to 11 points during his previous meeting with OKC.
Meanwhile, defense is going to be a heftier challenge for the Mavericks with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, who are the highest-scoring duo in the NBA today, on the opposing side. Dallas is surrendering 100.7 points per game across 39 games this season.
Dallas is 6-4 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road.
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Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-12)
As for the Thunder, they head into this contest fresh off an entertaining win over the T-Wolves last night. In that game, Kevin Durant went 11-of-25 from the field for a game-high 30 points and seven boards. Not be outdone, Russell Westbrook almost had a triple-double with 22 points, seven rebounds and 11 dimes.
Both superstars should be able to have their way once more opposite a Dallas team that’s giving up 101.6 points per game in its past seven contests. Westbrook, in particular, will be looking to pick up from his last encounter with the Mavs on November 22, during which he exploded for 31 points and 11 assists while also garnering five steals.
Durant, on the other hand, is going to get his points no matter how well Westbrook plays or whatever kind of defense is put up against him. Durant has had a lot of success when matching up with Dallas, averaging 24.6 points, 6.7 boards and 3.2 assists through 25 career games. He’s also posting 27.4 PPG in his past five contests.
OKC is 8-2 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
OKC (-8) wins, but does not cover the spread. Create a betting account now and put your NBA predictions to the test!
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