With Tony Parker sidelined by a back injury, the San Antonio Spurs (60-18) couldn’t contain the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup. They will try to bounce back when they take on a possible opponent of theirs in the first round of the Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks (48-31).
[sc:NBAArticles ]San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
When: Thursday, April 10, 2014, 8:00PM EST
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Line: San Antonio Spurs (+2.5) at Dallas Mavericks (-2.5); total: 202.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the San Antonio Spurs
[sc:NBA240banner ]If the Spurs’ performance without Parker is a sign of things to come, then bettors should be wary of San Antonio. In their 110-91 loss to Kevin Love and company, Gregg Popovich’s team shot just 44% and committed 16 turnovers.
Nevertheless, San Antonio has won without Parker before. This season, the Frenchman has missed 13 games, with his team going 10-3 SU in his absence. In addition, the Spurs are the best road team in the NBA at 29-10.
San Antonio hasn’t had a difficult time dealing with Dallas as well. The last three matchups vs. the Mavs, the Spurs have put up 113.3 PPG thanks to 41% shooting from downtown. And don’t expect that figure to drop since Rick Carlisle’s team gives up about eight three-pointers a game – 10th worst in the league.
The Spurs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against Dallas.
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks return home after a perfect 4-0 road trip. Out of those games, Dirk Nowitzki and company held three opponents to below 100 points. Moreover, in April, Dallas is averaging 105.6 PPG and converting 11 threes per game on 41% shooting.
However, against the Spurs, the Mavericks have gone only 5-14-1 ATS in their last 20 matchups. Furthermore, Dallas has lost eight straight against the defending Western Conference champions.
In order to beat San Antonio, Nowitzki will have to provide more for his team. In recent matchups against the Spurs, the German has put up just 18.3 PPG and 5.7 RPG, not to mention going 16.7% from three-point range.
The total has gone over in four of the last five meetings between both teams.
Writer’s Prediction
The Spurs put up a lot of points against Dallas’ defense this season and the Mavericks have been on fire lately. I would wager on the over of this game’s totals.
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