The Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks will play in a Western Conference matchup on Monday evening. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nuggets-Mavericks prediction and pick.
The Nuggets and Mavericks matchup Monday night in what will be a game between two of the better teams in the West so far this season. The contest features two MVP candidates, as both Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic come into play Monday leading their respective teams in points, rebounds and assists. Denver comes into play with a 9-4 record, while the Mavericks are 8-4 under new head coach Jason Kidd. The Nuggets come into play a bit banged up as Michael Porter Jr. is out and Jamal Murray is still rehabbing his knee injury. Jokic has carried the team well so far this season and will need to so again if the Nuggets are going to win in Dallas as underdogs on Monday.
Here are the Nuggets-Mavericks odds for this Monday NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Nuggets-Mavericks Odds
Denver Nuggets +5 (-110)
Dallas Mavericks -5 (-110)
Over 209 points (-110)
Under 209 points (-110)
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Why The Nuggets Can Cover The Spread
Article Continues BelowHaving the MVP on your team is a good start, despite whatever injuries the Nuggets have. Jokic is one of the best offensive players in the league and typically keeps Denver close in any game with his playmaking and scoring. Denver has the second best defensive rating in the NBA so far this season, which has made for a deadly recipe combined with Jokic's high-level feel on offense. The Nuggets have actually been a little below average in terms of offensive efficiency this season, but they seem to be good when it matters the most.
The non-Jokic minutes are an adventure in the absence of Murray and Porter, but they have managed to navigate it without it tanking them to this point. The Nuggets are a decent play with the points vs. the Mavericks on Monday night. Denver will be at a significant rest disadvantage on Monday however as they played last night while Dallas has been off since Friday. The Nuggets are 8-6 against the spread this season.
Why The Mavericks Can Cover The Spread
Dallas has the home advantage on Monday, and the Mavericks are 5-1 on their home floor so far this season. The rest advantage could be significant as the Mavericks have now been in Texas for a few days now and have not played since Friday when they won on the road vs. the San Antonio Spurs. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis are not listed on the injury report, and the Mavericks are always dangerous when those two both suit up. Dallas is in good position for a cover and a win at home vs. the Nuggets on Monday night.
Final Nuggets-Mavericks Prediction & Pick
Take the well-rested Mavericks to win and cover the spread Monday vs. the Nuggets.
FINAL NUGGETS-MAVERICKS PREDICTION & PICK: Mavericks -5 (-110)