of washington wizards will face off against dallas mavericks Monday for the second and final time this season. Washington, who lost his first matchup 130-117, will be hoping to be even more competitive in the rematch. Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma will lead a Wizards team that will look to even the season series.
The Mavericks have Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on injured reserve, but both are expected to play. They will spearhead a Dallas offense that has just been strengthened by the acquisitions of former Wizard Daniel Gafford and former Hornet P.J. Washington. The Mavs' new acquisitions already played key roles in the team's 146-111 victory over the OKC Thunder on Saturday.
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The reeling Wizards, who have lost their past six games, begin a four-game road trip against the improved Mavericks. Washington's defense needs to step up. Otherwise, it will be a match that ends quickly.
Washington Wizards vs Dallas Mavericks: preview, predictions and betting tips
The Mavericks will host the Wizards at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas at 8:30 p.m. ET. Bally Sports SW-DAL and MNMT are the local networks covering the match. Streaming is also available when you subscribe to NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can tune in to SiriusXM, 97.1 FM/S:99.1FM, and The Team 980 AM/WFED 1500 AM to hear the action.
Money line: Wizards (+750) vs. Mavericks (-1200)
Spread: Wizards (+14.5) vs. Mavericks (-14.5)
Total (O/U): Wizards (o248.0 -110) vs. Mavericks (u248.0 -110)
Washington Wizards vs. Dallas Mavericks: Game Preview
The Wizards rank 27th in defensive rating and just traded their best rim protector to the opponent they will face on Monday. Washington is replacing Daniel Gafford with Marvin Bagley III, who is not known for his defense. The new center is perfect for the job against a team that features two of the most feared scorers in the NBA.
The Mavericks appear to have more depth and balance with the acquisitions of Gafford and P.J. Washington. Doncic and Irving now have more weapons inside to dump the ball when driving to the rim. Dallas is on a four-game winning streak and will be looking to extend that streak.
Washington Wizards vs. Dallas Mavericks: Starting Lineup
The Washington Wizards could have Marvin Bagley III, Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, Tyce Jones, and Jordan Poole.
The Dallas Mavericks will feature Irving, Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green. Jason Kidd could put Gafford under center and bench Kleber. The manager also has the option of using P.J. Washington, a more natural power forward, instead of Jones.
Washington Wizards vs Dallas Mavericks: Betting Tips
Luka Doncic's over/under point prop is 31.5, which is much lower than his season average of 34.5 PPG. “Luka Legend” averaged 33.0 points on 50.9% shooting (including 41.8% from deep) this month. He could be in for another big scoring night if Washington's bottom-five defense doesn't strengthen.
Kyrie Irving's over/under point prop is 26.5. “Uncle Drew” averaged 25.0 PPG in February and shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 46.2 percent from behind the arc. Like Doncic, he is expected to be out if the Wizards' defense continues to be ineffective.
Washington Wizards vs Dallas Mavericks: Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks will likely blow out the Washington Wizards. If Dallas lets off the gas, Washington could cover the +17.0 spread.
