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The Dallas Mavericks will pay a visit to Fiserv Forum to take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a 1 PM ET Sunday tip. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Mavericks-Bucks prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
The Mavericks are coming off a brutal 135-103 loss to the Washington Wizards on Friday. Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson were the only two Mavericks who scored in double-figures for Dallas. Doncic led the way with 36 points, while Brunson scored 21. With the defeat, the Mavericks have fallen back to 4th in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee was demolished by Robert Covington and the L.A. Clippers, 153-119, on Friday night. The Bucks were without their big guns after taking down the Brooklyn Nets in overtime the night before. Sophomore guard Jordan Nwora led Milwaukee with 28 points, while Bobby Portis added 25.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Mavericks-Bucks NBA odds for this Sunday afternoon NBA matchup.
NBA odds: Mavericks–Bucks Odds
Dallas Mavericks: +5.5 (-110)
Milwaukee Bucks: -5.5 (-110)
Over: 227 (-110)
Under: 227 (-110)
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Why the Mavericks could cover the spread
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Despite coming off a 33-point loss to the Wizards a couple of nights ago, the Mavericks have been one of the best teams in the NBA in 2022. Unlike in the last couple of years, the defense has been the reason for Dallas' success this season. They are currently 7th in the NBA in defensive rating and for a good one-month stretch through December and January, had the best defense in the league.
Luka Doncic has been playing MVP-level basketball since the turn of the calendar. The three-time All-Star has scored four straight 30-plus point outings. In addition, Spencer Dinwiddie has been a huge trade deadline acquisition for Dallas. In 19 games wearing a Mavs uniform, Dinwiddie is averaging 16.7 points and 4.0 assists, while shooting a career-best 49.3 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from three.
Maxi Kleber is listed as questionable due to right knee soreness. Sterling Brown (health and safety protocols), Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot), Trey Burke (not with the team), and Theo Pinson (finger) are all out.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for Milwaukee. If he is unable to go, Dallas has a good chance to cover the 5.5-point spread. The Mavericks have one of the better records against the spread (44-33) this season.
Why the Bucks could cover the spread
Meanwhile, the defending champion Bucks are already gearing up for the postseason. But as much as they want to preserve their main stars ahead of the playoffs, Milwaukee is still in the midst of positioning itself in the standings and could be motivated to chase the no. 1 seed.
The Bucks have sort of been coasting all season long. Guys have been going in and out of the lineup. Yet, they still hold the no. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks have listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as probable ahead of Sunday's 1 PM tip due to a sore right knee. The Bucks (37-40 ATS) obviously have a better chance of covering the spread if the Greek Freak is able to go. Milwaukee is 6-8 without Antetokounmpo this season. Regardless, Luka and the Mavericks are still a tough out for any of the best teams out there, including the reigning champs.
Aside from Giannis, Deandre Bembry is listed as out against Dallas.
Final Mavericks–Bucks prediction and pick
This is a tough one since both are among the elite teams in the league this season. Nonetheless, I'd still roll with the Bucks, granted that Antetokounmpo suits up. Dallas will have a tough time containing The Greek Freak (but who can?). And the Bucks have an answer for Luka Doncic on the other end with Jrue Holiday. But if Milwaukee decides to hold him out to keep him fresher for the playoffs, Dallas should take this.
Final Mavericks–Bucks Prediction & Pick: Bucks: -5.5 (-110)
