Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Mavericks look for a glorious February after a wonderful January

NBA betting is a tricky affair but then you can see during many games that there are some obvious favorites. But NBA betting is not related to just wins or losses, there are total prediction, point differential(handicap), player props, team props, etc., there is a lot at plate. And since there are various stats related to rebounds, assists, points, blocks, steals, made shots, etc, you can see there is a variety of ways you can engage with NBA betting. Anyway, talking about favorites, let us jump into this game between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder as the Mavericks start as favorites.

The Mavericks have been in terrific form during January and now coming into February, they will look to build upon 29 wins and 22 losses record. The team has suffered a massive setback with Tim Hardaway Jr.’s injury and well, that means that their bench is depleted now, disturbing the team’s balance. On the other hand, the Thunder has struggled all season long, and right now, the team has just 15 wins and has lost 34 losses so far this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now out for at least two-three weeks and that will surely hurt the team that is already starving for the offensive production throughout the season. Thunder has won just two out of their last fourteen games and has gone on multiple losing streaks this season. Now you can see how the Mavericks come in as the favorites as the Thunder has become even more vulnerable. For my game total and result prediction, jump to “Expert Betting Tips”.

Mavericks’ brilliant January, Thunder’s massive struggles

Mavericks can be on a roll

Dallas had a great January and their ability to close out games and play tough defense has made them a formidable foe these days. The Mavericks won 13 games and lost just four games, which means that it was the best month for the team. Dallas has missed Porizingis quite a bit these days while now with Tim Hardaway Jr. gone, the overall balanced will be disturbed but hey, this team has been fighting all season long. Can the Mavericks win around 67% of their games at least this month, which puts them in the Top Six position. You can’t take this team lightly for sure.

Luka Doncic is the leader of the Mavs and he has picked up his game ever since mid-January, racking up 30+ points on a regular basis. Jalen Brunson is the second playmaker and can also supply some decent offense. Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, and Maxi Kleber provide size and athleticism at the Forward position and the Mavericks field a two big Forward and a Center lineup along with two Point Guards. Off the bench, Josh Green, Marquise Chriss, and Reggie Bullock form a decent bench and their role will increase with Porzingis and Hardaway out.

Thunder’s woes

Oklahoma City Thunder has been one of the worst teams in the league all season long. The Thunder only won a couple of games and lost 12 games in January, going on two lengthy losing streaks. This team has struggled big time to stay on course on the offensive end, constantly going on cold streaks and this allows the oppositions to go on big runs. Really, the Thunder has been the worst perimeter shooting team and with a lack of scoring options, their record comes as no surprise.

With their leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out of the fray now, the burden will shift on Lugeuntz Dort, who is a decent scorer but his three-ball has been off this season. Josh Giddey can share the burden but he is in a similar boat offensively with his inconsistent production. However, I think Giddey will raise his scoring range to 14-19 now. Bazley can be highly effective too but yes, the team has a dearth of shot creators and perimeter shooters. The defense has shown some quality for the Thunder squad but even that has faltered as of course, missing too many shots can take out of the rhythm on the other hand.

Expert Betting Tips

Points Range: As stated above, the Thunder has been terrible on the offensive end and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out of the picture, the team’s work will become even more tenuous. The trouble for Thunder is that the Mavericks are also a highly disciplined defensive team and that surely will play a huge role in the way the Thunder will come in here for a team that has struggled even against so-so defenses. Meanwhile, the Thunder defense has been more than decent usually but I see Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and Dorian Finney-Smith coming up big here, with Doncic scoring in the 28-35 points, Brunson in the 18-24 points, and Finney-Smith in the 13-16 points range. I think the Mavericks will be in the 107-113 range while the Thunder will be in the 93-98 range. For me, a 200-210 points range looks most likely.

Prediction: The Mavericks should clinch this one, playing at home, and with the depleted Thunder team that can go on lengthy cold spells. They have one of the best defensive teams in the league and their offense has also improved last month. I believe that the Thunder will start decently but their offense will fall off in the late second or late third quarter. Meanwhile, I think at least one of the bench players for the Mavericks will also be pouring 12+ points here. I believe the Mavericks will take this game 108:96.

Betting Odds

• Handicap: 1 -11.5 for 1.97;
• Total Points Range: 201-210 for 3.75;
• Total U 209.5 for 1.90.