Game one of a two game set starts bright and early Sunday afternoon
Who’s ready for some matinee basketball? In case you haven’t heard, the Dallas Mavericks will be playing the Denver Nuggets today at 2:00pm. This is a primetime start in the Balkans, which would be ideal for international superstars Nikola Jokic & Luka Doncic to show off for their home country. However, with Luka Doncic still out (although he is back on the court), it’ll be Jokic who is able to shine in the primetime light.
Luka Dončić is doing on-court work. pic.twitter.com/mS4nVgKabK
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) January 11, 2025
Speaking of, as per the NBA Injury Report, all of Luka (calf), Kyrie Irving (back) & Dante Exum (wrist) are out for Dallas. The positive news is that all three of them have been spotted on the floor recently, so the timeline might be speeding up here. For Denver, Jokic (illness) is probable to play and spread more injury voodoo on this Mavs roster. Jamal Murray (knee) & Aaron Gordon (calf) are both listed as questionable for the Nuggets.
The open portion of #Mavs practice just opened and Kyrie Irving (back) has returned to the court. He’s getting shots up with Jaden Hardy, O-Max and a talented young kid who has a nice shot. He’s here serving as “Mavs GM for a Day.” pic.twitter.com/ukOLW3Ml2k
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 11, 2025
Jason Kidd’s latest update on Dante Exum:
“I think he’s out to the 3-point line shooting now. A lot of positives there. It’s just a matter of getting the scheduled appointment to check to see how the wrist is doing and go from there. He’s in great shape. He’s done a lot of solo…
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 11, 2025
Last weeks results:
Tyler: 3-0* (+$258)
David: 0-4 (-$400)
*Kyrie Irving DNP voids a play
Season to date:
Tyler: +$458
David: -$621
Well, 2025 brought us a sweep of both sets of picks, but unfortunately that’s a reverse sweep for David. Tough handicap against the Cavs, for sure, we expect better! However, there’s no time to dwell on the past as we fight again this week!
Game intangibles
Denver Nuggets (22-15) vs Dallas Mavericks (22-16)
Tipoff: 2:00pm from the American Airlines Center in a defrosted Dallas, Texas
How to watch: Standard operating procedure here, KFAA Ch. 29 & Mavs TV
Game odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook as of 11p January 11th
Spread: Denver -4 (-110/-110)
Over/Under: 228.5 (-110/-110)
Moneyline: Dallas +145
David’s picks
Michael Porter Jr. 20+ points (+115)
Game under 228.5 (-110)
Spencer Dinwiddie under 16.5 points (-115)
Mavs outright win (+145)
Tyler’s picks
Nuggets -4 (-110)
Klay Thompson over 15.5 points (-110)
Nikola Jokic YES Triple-Double (+130)
Dereck Lively over 22.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105)