Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/12/2023, 07:02  by Joseph King | Modified on 18/12/2023 at 07:09 in NBA Predictions

A showdown between the two frontrunners for the NBA MVP award sees the fourth-place Denver Nuggets hosting the third-place Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference. Luka Doncic continues his brilliant season as he seeks his first MVP award as well as leading his Mavs team to an NBA Finals appearance. The Mavericks have put together a strong start with a 16-9 record, placing them 3.5 games behind the first-place Timberwolves. Dallas is coming off a 131-120 win over the Trail Blazers on Saturday, their fifth win from the last six overall. Once again, “Luka Magic” was in full effect as the Slovenian sensation dropped a 40 point triple-double. It was his third triple-double in December alone and his fifth game this season with 40+ points. Doncic is almost single-handedly responsible for the Mavs ranking fourth in adjusted offensive rating, especially since Kyrie Irving has been out for the past four straight.

The Nuggets saw their three-game winning streak snapped in their last outing after a heartbreaking 118-117 loss to the upstart OKC Thunder. Denver was leading in the final seconds before another MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a spinning fadeaway to secure the win for his team with 0.09 remaining in the game. The loss moved the defending champion’s record to 17-10 on the season and sees them trailing third and second-place by half a game. It was only the Nuggets’ second home loss of the season as they hold a formidable 10-2 record in the altitude of Ball Arena. Nikola Jokic is the current favorite to capture his third MVP award and it’s hard to argue when looking at the numbers. The Serbian big man has put up a ridiculous 10 triple-doubles in 26 games played.