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The Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks are facing off for the second and final time this regular season as the Pacers look to even the season series. With that said, it’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pacers-Mavericks prediction and pick.
Despite struggling as of late, the Pacers have been able to pick up some big wins against teams like the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns. Indiana currently holds the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-23. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have been a little more consistent, winning seven of their last 10 games to hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a record of 23-19.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Pacers-Mavericks odds.
NBA Odds: Pacers-Mavericks Odds
Indiana Pacers +1 (-108)
Dallas Mavericks -1 (-112)
Over 226 Points (-110)
Under 226 Points(-110)
Why The Pacers Could Cover The Spread
The Pacers are still trying to find their footing after the return of Caris LeVert. Since his return, the Pacers have been inconsistent, winning one game by 27 points and then losing another game by 27 points not long after.
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That said, the Pacers will need to develop some consistency as a team moving forward. This shouldn't be too difficult considering the pieces they have in LeVert, Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner, but they've been just perfectly average on both ends of the court this season.
The good news for Indiana in this one is the fact that it looks like Luka Doncic won't be playing. The phenom is doubtful to play because of a back injury, which is a massive break for a Pacers team trying to rise in the East.
Why The Mavericks Could Cover The Spread
Without Luka Doncic, the Mavericks will need to somehow make up for his offensive production by relying on their other star in Kristaps Porzingis, as well as other key players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Richardson, and Jalen Brunson.
Porzingis, who is averaging 20.0 points and 8.6 rebounds, will need to both score the ball more but also do a better job distributing the ball and finding his open teammates. Dallas will need a full team effort on the offensive end to secure the win without Doncic.
The Mavericks can also make up for the loss in offensive production with Doncic out by bringing the intensity on defense. Dallas isn't exactly a defensive juggernaut, but Indiana is just an average offensive team with the No. 15 offensive rating in the NBA. Perhaps a spirited defensive will be in the cards.
If Doncic is indeed out, the Mavericks will ultimately need a near-perfect game on both ends of the floor if they're going to cover the spread against a solid Pacers team trying to find a groove again.
Final Pacers-Mavericks Prediction & Pick
We're just going to go ahead and assume Luka Doncic is going to miss this game, so the Pacers should cruise to an easy victory against this shorthanded Mavericks squad. The Mavericks just do not have enough offensive production from the rest of the players to make up for the loss of Doncic, especially since they can't rely on an elite defense to make up for it. Ultimately, the Pacers will get one game closer to .500, while the Mavericks' current winning streak of two games will come to an end.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR PACERS-MAVERICKS: IND 120, MAV 102 (IND +1)
