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The Mavericks just made a giant trade that changed their roster, and they did not look good in their first game since. The 76ers have been playing much better recently and get a great matchup in this game at home. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Mavericks-76ers prediction and pick.
The Mavericks made a giant trade to acquire Anthony Davis from the Lakers for Luka Doncic. They have a 26-24 record and lost their first game post-Luka by 43 points.
Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving have the reigns over this offense as Anthony Davis will be out in this game after being acquired from LA. This is a big game to show that the Mavericks can stay relevant in the post-Luka era.
The 76ers have been hot and cold this season, with a 19-29 record. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are a lethal big three who look great together but must stay healthy.
Whether Joel Embiid and Paul George will be available in this game is questionable. Even if they are, Tyrese Maxey is the 76ers' focal point. The 76ers are in a prime spot to make a statement over Dallas in this matchup.
Here are the Mavericks-76ers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Mavericks-76ers Odds
Dallas Mavericks: +1 (-108)
Moneyline: +102
Philadelphia 76ers: -1 (-112)
Moneyline: -120
Over: 225.5 (-110)
Under: 225.5 (-110)
How To Watch Mavericks vs. 76ers
Time: 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT
TV: KFAA/NBC Sports Philadelphia
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*
Why the Mavericks Could Cover the Spread/Win
The Mavericks are a great offensive team, but with Doncic traded, their entire offense has changed. They are 11th in scoring with 115.3 points per game, eighth in field-goal percentage (47.7%), and 10th in three-point percentage (36.8%). Eight different Mavericks have averaged more than double digits in scoring, proving their balanced offense. Kyrie Irving is the lynchpin of this offense with Doncic gone.
Irving is the team leader in scoring, averaging 24.3 points per game, and assists, averaging 4.8 per game. Anthony Davis is not expected to be available in this matchup, so PJ Washington and Klay Thompson have even more pressure on them in Philadelphia. This is a tough matchup because Philly's defense has stayed consistent and is a competent unit compared to their offense, and post-Luka, this Mavericks offense will be hard to adjust to.
The Mavericks' defense has been solid at best and hovers around the middle of the NBA. They are 16th in scoring defense, at 113.3 points per game, eighth in field-goal defense, at 45.6%, and 20th in three-point defense, at 36.6%. With Lively injured and Doncic gone, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford are the most significant keys down low and on the glass.
Washington is the rebounding leader, averaging 8.4 per game, and Daniel Gafford is the block leader, averaging 1.8 per game. The on-ball defense has also suffered without Doncic. Irving and Washington are tied for the team lead in steals, with 1.2 per game. This defense takes a giant hit without Doncic, but the 76ers also struggle on offense.
The 76ers' offense has not been impressive this season. They are 25th in scoring with 109.1 points per game, 22nd in field goal percentage at 45.5%, and 20th in three-point shooting at 35.3% from behind the arc. Six players on the 76ers have averaged over double digits in scoring, with Tyrese Maxey being the most consistent scorer on the team, scoring 27.7 points per game.
Maxey is also the engine behind this offense, leading the team with six assists per game. Joel Embiid and Paul George are dealing with injuries, and whether either will be available in time for this game is questionable. These two teams have a lot of uncertainty on this side of the court.
Why the 76ers Could Cover the Spread/Win
The 76ers' defense has been much better than their offense this season. They are 15th in points allowed, at 112.7 points per game, 30th in field goal defense, at 49%, and 24th in three-point defense, at 36.8% from behind the arc. The 76ers have an excellent frontcourt when they're healthy, and despite Embiid's injuries, it looks like he will be available.
Embiid is the team leader in rebounds, with 7.9 per game, and also leads the team in blocks, with one per game. Finally, when it comes to their on-ball defense, they have been great. Six different 76ers average at least one steal, and Tyrese Maxey is the steals leader with 1.9 per game. The 76ers can't get out of their way as a team, but this might be a good matchup because the Mavericks will look completely different.
Final Mavericks-76ers Prediction & Pick
The Mavericks are still trying to figure things out after the Luka trade, but I think they should win this matchup. The 76ers, especially Embiid and George, deal with uncertainty from injuries. The Mavericks are hard to trust without Doncic, but they get the win and cover, thanks to Irving.
Final Mavericks-76ers Prediction & Pick: Dallas Mavericks +1 (-108)
