Dallas has been playing well recently, going 4-1 in their last 5 games, their only loss coming in a game where Luka Doncic did not play. Denver has also been playing well, winning 5 of their last 5 games. This game is an extremely important one as we come down the stretch of these final 15 NBA games. Denver is in a tight 3-way race for the 1 seed with the OKC Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Perhaps more important is the Mavericks’ situation. They currently stand at 8th in the west, and they need every win they can get if they’re going to get into the top 6.
Can Luka Doncic out-duel Nikola Jokic and steal a win for his Dallas Mavericks?
Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Denver Nuggets | -4
-1o8 |
O 229.5
-108 |
-166 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +4
-112 |
U 229.5
-112 |
+140 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Game Details
- Fixture: Denver Nuggets @ Dallas Mavericks
- Date and Time: March 17, 2024 @ 3:30 pm EST
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Dallas Mavericks | Vs. | Denver Nuggets |
| 38-29 | Record | 47-20 |
| 119.0 | Points Per Game | 114.8 |
| 48.3% | FG% | 49.6% |
| 37.1% | 3PT% | 36.9% |
| 50.2 | Rebounds Per Game | 52.1 |
| 117.7 | Points Allowed Per Game | 110.3 |
| 48.1% | Opponent FG% | 46.5% |
| 36.9% | Opponent 3PT% | 36.2% |
| 13.7 | Opponent Turnovers Forced Per Game | 12.3 |
| 54.0 | Opponent Rebounds Per Game | 49.2 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 W-L | 5-0 |
| 103.5 | Team Pace | 100.0 |
Key Stats
Dallas Mavericks
As I mentioned, Dallas is led by their star point guard, Luka Doncic. However, for this team to reach another level, they are going to need more guys to step up and help. Of course, you can’t talk about the Mavericks without mentioning Kyrie Irving, the other Dallas star. Kyrie has been good for the Mavericks, but he has been great when needed. In the Mavericks’ last game vs the OKC Thunder, Luka did not suit up. Kyrie stepped up, scoring 36 points, dishing 12 assists, and tacking on 2 steals.
This has been a theme all season, as Kyrie averages 31.5 points in games where Luka does not play. Another great step was adding center Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline. Gafford since being traded has been a great lob threat for Luka on offense and he averages almost 2 blocks a game on defense. He is going to need a solid performance for the Mavericks to win tonight since Denver allows the 5th most points to centers in the NBA in the last 30 games.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are the favorites to win this game, as they usually are. They are going to need to be careful though, because any game against Luka Doncic can easily get away from you. A big key to this matchup is going to be Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Whether he is guarding Doncic or Irving, he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. His defense is going to be a huge help in slowing down the Mavericks’ explosive offense. In the first matchup between these two teams, Denver held Dallas to only 104 total points.
The key offensively for Denver is Jamal Murray. Denver has a 25-4 record when he scores 20+ points. Dallas allows the 4th most points to point guards in the last 30 games. In the first game between these two teams, Murray had 22 points while Jokic only had 8. Nikola Jokic is going to have a good game, but this team reaches its true form when Jamal Murray is playing at his best.
Game Prediction
Denver leads the season series 2-0, playing both of those games in Denver. I think this Mavericks offense is going to give Denver some trouble on their home court. I see some value in the over 229.5 here. Jamal Murray is primed for a big game and Nikola Jokic is unguardable for a defense as weak as the Mavericks’. But I don’t see the Nuggets shutting down Dallas either. This is their first matchup since Daniel Gafford was acquired. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving scored a combined 61.1 points at home this season. These teams went over this line in both of their previous matchups with 239 and 234 points.
Final Pick
Total Points Over 229.5 (-108)
About the Author
Caden is a massive sports fan and has been following the professional leagues for as long as he can remember. His main sports are NFL and NBA, but he watches and can talk about all sports. If you want more great sports insight or are looking for sports betting advice, follow Caden on Twitter @CadenBahry. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
