2022-2023 NBA Preview: Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks surprised everyone by reaching the Western Conference finals last season, beating the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in seven games along the way.
Luka Doncic had his best playoff run while Jason Kidd did very well as the head coach of the team after replacing Rick Carlisle.
The Mavs have made some changes to the roster, but what does that mean for their NBA betting odds? Let’s take a look at their futures for 2022-23 and project where this team might end up.
Let’s check the latest NBA picks, stats, injury reports and NBA predictions. We’ve plenty of NBA expert picks for you to consider.
Dallas Mavericks Odds
- To win NBA championship +2700
- To win Western Conference +1200
- To win Southwest Division +145
- To make playoffs Yes -520 / No +370
Player to Watch
As soon as the Mavericks were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the West finals, the discussion in Dallas turned to one obvious question: Who would join Luka on the roster to put this team over the top?
The answer emerged in the offseason: Christian Wood. The Mavs acquired him in a trade with the Houston Rockets and there is excitement around the fact that he might be the missing piece up front.
Dallas has decided to make an investment in him, and it’s unquestionable that Wood is the key player who will shape the Mavs’ 2023 season for better or worse.
Wood needs to work well with Doncic and, more than that, he needs to become a lethal scorer who makes defenses pay for any attempts to double-team the point guard and get the ball out of his hands.
Dallas hasn’t had an elite second option during Doncic’s tenure. Kristaps Porzingis was meant to be that guy but he didn’t pan out. This is Wood’s big chance to elevate his career. Those who bet online are cautiously optimistic.
- Player to Watch: PF Christian Wood
Breakout Player
Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged just over 14 points the regular season last season but Dallas needs more out of him.
They need 3-point shooters who can reliably make shots when Doncic draws defenders – as he regularly will – and has to kick the ball out to the wings or corners. Hardaway will get his share of opportunities to score.
If he can improve his shooting and establish a reasonably good defensive standard, such that he isn’t too much of a liability at that end of the floor, he will get more minutes and more crunch-time situations.
With Jalen Brunson gone, the Mavs need more out of their backcourt and Hardaway has to do more than he’s done in the past.
- Breakout Watch: G Tim Hardaway Jr.
Mavericks Outlook
The Mavericks will be hard-pressed to replicate last season’s body of work and their playoff performance.
The Los Angeles Clippers get Kawhi Leonard back, the Minnesota Timberwolves added Rudy Gobert and the New Orleans Pelicans are on the rise.
The Mavericks can probably win one series in the playoffs, but they’re highly unlikely to win two and make a run at a championship. Wood has to have a spectacular season just to get this team back to the Western Conference finals.
That being the case, fade a number of their overvalued futures in the sportsbook right now. There are better options for your NBA picks.
