Mavericks vs Nuggets Picks: Injuries Make Under (226½) Top Bet 11/22

Matchups like this are why the Emirates NBA Cup is so great for the league. The last two Western Conference Champions, the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets, will play in a game that could mean more than just a win on their record.

However, both teams could be without their MVP candidates on Friday. Monitor NBA news for the status of Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Dallas’ Luka Doncic has already been ruled out.

Both of these teams are coming off wins in the NBA Cup. Their in-season tournament record is 1-1, tied in Group C, after having lost the first game of NBA Cup play.

The Mavericks blew out the New Orleans Pelicans 132-91. That win helped the Mavericks since points differential is crucial to the NBA Cup standings. It is currently at +38, the best in Group C.

The Nuggets’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies was only 122-110, bringing the Nuggets’ points differential to +8. That was without Jokic, who is the favorite at +200 in NBA futures odds to win his fourth MVP Award in five seasons.

Mavericks vs Nuggets Game Information

• Game: Mavericks (8-7) vs. Nuggets (8-5)
• Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
• Day/Time: Friday, Nov. 22, 10:00 p.m. ET
• Mavericks vs Nuggets Live Stream: NBA Game Pass

Mavericks vs Nuggets Betting Preview

Key Injuries Impact Odds, Picks

This game is an interesting matchup and a problematic option in NBA predictions. These are two of the best teams in the West, but it is unclear if their top players will be available. Jokic has missed the last three games for personal reasons and is listed as a game-time decision. Doncic is officially out with a wrist injury.

With Jokic potentially coming back, the Nuggets’ have 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists that could be on the court. However, even if Jokic does return, there will undoubtedly be some rust after missing three games.

The Mavericks are getting hot. They started the season 4-3 before P.J. Washington was out for five games and Dallas lost four straight. Since he has returned to the lineup, the Mavs have won three straight games, including one without Doncic.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has sustained a wrist injury and is expected to miss time, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/QxZuKaDyAl

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2024

That isn’t to say that Washington is the most important player on the Mavericks, but he certainly is their most versatile defender. The possible absence of Jokic and Doncic being out for this matchup makes this an even more challenging game to bet online. The home team could be the best option.

Best Bet: Nuggets -3 -110

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With Stars Ailing, Under Best Bet

Going into this matchup, two MVP candidates were possibly going up against each other. Jokic is averaging 29.7 points and Doncic is at 28.1. Two of the best offensive players in the league could be missing this game, hurting the chances of it hitting the over.

Jamal Murray tonight:

🏹 27 PTS
🏹 4 REB
🏹 6 AST
🏹 3 STL
🏹 2 BLK
🏹5 3PT

HE IS BACK pic.twitter.com/TQev2ZXlD3

— Nuggets Lead (@NuggetsLead) November 20, 2024

Denver’s offense was pretty bad in the first two games without Jokic. Per Mavericks vs Nuggets betting tips, Denver scored 94 and 90 points in the two losses. But in the last game, the offense came alive with 122 points in a win. Jamal Murray had 27 points, taking over the primary scoring role, while Michael Porter Jr. added 24.

On top of that, the Mavericks do have some hope. Kyrie Irving is still one of the top scorers in the league, averaging 24.3 point. They also just played without Doncic, who sat out a 121-119 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Washington had 27 points while Irving had 23. Klay Thompson has a good game in him here and there.

However, despite those caveats, it is still hard to back the over for NBA picks. If Jokic plays, there is a good chance he is rusty. The Mavericks will be without Doncic for an extended period, affecting the team’s offense.

Best Bet: Under 226½

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.