The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets play their third NBA Cup match today at Ball Arena on ESPN. The game begins at 10:35 PM ET and their last two games have come down to the last field goal attempt. Oddly enough both were attempted by Kyrie Irving, he made one and missed one.

This will be each team’s third Emirates NBA Cup game this season and they both have a legitimate chance to make it to the next round. This usually a much-anticipated game with the two most dynamic players in the Association, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, battling on the court. However, Doncic is out and Jokic is questionable so it’s up to others to step up in their absence.

 

 

 

Dallas Mavericks: Rimshot

The Dallas Mavericks are defending Western Conference champions, but off to an okay start at best. They are currently 8-7 and ninth in the West. The positive news is they are on a 3-game winning streak.

The Mavericks are 1-1 in the NBA Cup, and Dallas enjoys the largest current point differential, +38. This could get them in as a wild card should they lose in the competitive West Group C. They could win the group but are 1.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors. They will need to bring their ‘A game’ without Doncic, as they have lost their four most recent games in Denver. 

Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, PJ Washington, and Klay Thompson will have more opportunities without Doncic, but it’s difficult to predict which will have the best game. They will all need a great game if Nikola Jokic plays, and it could come down to the last field goal which could swish or be a Rimshot.

 

 

 

Denver Nuggets: Only Yesterday

In some ways it feels like a decade ago, and in others it feels like Only Yesterday that the Denver Nuggets hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy under the Pretty Lights. The 2024 Nuggets are still trying to find their identity, with and without Nikola Jokic. 

The great depth and the brilliance of the Nuggets drafting is on full display again this year. Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther are beginning to assert themselves as great NBA players. 

Even Zeke Nnaji has stepped up in the absence of Jokic, and he will be needed again as it is unlikely that Jokic plays in the first of back-to-back games for Denver tonight.

 

 

 

Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup

Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Mavericks vs. Nuggets Predictions & Picks Today: Friday 11/22

There are not many player props available with Nikola Jokic questionable. That is how much of an impact the three-time MVP has on the stat lines. 

There are a few Dallas Maverick player props available, but a full list of players should be available closer to game time.

 

 

 

Mavericks vs. Nuggets Prediction: Denver -3 (-105 on DraftKings)

Did you know that Head Coach Michael Malone is tied for the most wins in Denver Nuggets history? The Nuggets NBA Cup victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday moved him to 432 all-time wins. That tied the legendary Doug Moe’s mark set during his magnificent 80s run with Denver.

Tonight, in another NBA Cup game, Head Coach Malone could have sole possession of the most wins by a head coach for a franchise. An honor very few witness, and even fewer achieve, so make sure to record the match on ESPN.

The Nuggets have been without their leader for two weeks and have developed a rhythm that has them fifth in the Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks are playing their first game without Doncic due to injury this season. This could be more lopsided than the sportsbooks anticipate.

Trust the Denver Nuggets to win this game at home against an opponent they have best in the last four of five games. The three-point spread is at near even odds, while the money line is heavily juiced. Put a unit on Denver to cover the spread at home today.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-