The Dallas Mavericks (33-24) visit one of the hottest teams in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers (37-19). Dallas has been climbing the Western Conference standings behind the strong play of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Trade deadline acquisition P.J. Washington has also been perfect for this team. The Cavaliers have struggled out of the All-Star break but are still on a hot streak, thanks to their defense. This will be their second meeting this season, with the Cavaliers edging out the Mavericks by three the last time they met.
In terms of betting, the biggest question in this matchup is whether Cleveland can slow down Doncic and Irving.
Dallas Mavericks Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Dallas Mavericks | +4.5 -110 |
O 232.5 -108 |
+150 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -4.5 -110 |
U 232.5 -112 |
-180 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Date And Time: February 27, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH
Key Stats
Dallas Mavericks (Averages)
Points: 118.6
Points Allowed: 117.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.9/89.7 for 47.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 15.1/40.2 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.7/23.4 for 75.6%
Rebounds: 9.9 Offensive, 32.2 Defensive, 42.1 Combined
Assists: 25.4
Steals: 6.7
Blocks: 4.5
Turnovers: 12.5
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.7/90.7 for 48.2%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.1/35.8 for 36.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.0/22.4 for 76.0%
Rebounds Against: 11.4 Offensive, 34.2 Defensive, 45.5 Combined
The Dallas Mavericks have won seven of their last eight games. Doncic is a big part of it and has been lights out from three. In the last ten games, he averages 3.6 made 3-pointers per game. The last time these two teams met, Doncic scored 39 points in the loss. Dallas will look to get out of the fastbreak to try and break Cleveland’s defense. They average 15.4 fast break points per game.
Health isn’t an issue for this team, with Dante Exum being the only player out with an injury. This matchup will look very different than the previous one as the trade deadline hasn’t happened yet.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Averages)
Points: 114.4
Points Allowed: 109.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.5/88.1 for 48.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.2/36.5 for 36.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.2/21.1 for 76.9%
Rebounds: 10.5 Offensive, 34.3 Defensive, 44.8 Combined
Assists: 27.4
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 4.8
Turnovers: 13.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 49.9/87.7 for 45.5%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.1/33.6 for 36.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.3/22.0 for 78.5%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 32.0 Defensive, 42.1 Combined
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their first two games out of the All-Star break before picking up a win against Washington. Cleveland is 19-10 on their home court. In their last meeting, Caris LeVert scored 29 points which led the team. Darius Garland has been an important offensive piece for this team in the past ten games. He averages 1.7 three-pointers made in the past ten games.
Similar to Dallas. the Cavaliers are not dealing with many health issues currently. Ty Jerome is the only player out with an ankle injury.
Game Prediction
Cleveland hasn’t looked as crisp since coming back from the All-Star break. Even their win against Washington wasn’t convincing. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have looked like a team surging at the right time. The combination of Luka and Kyrie have been able to score at will. Head coach Jason Kidd is staggering them well to make sure there is a high-level scorer on the court at all times. I have the Mavericks winning and covering, but Cleveland’s defense will keep the score low.
Final Pick
Dallas Mavericks +4.5 and Under 232.5
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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