The Denver Nuggets hope to avoid a third defeat in the hands of the rebuilding Dallas Mavericks, and they’ll have to do it without Nikola Jokic.

Catch the game tomorrow at 10:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Denver Nuggets (27-13, 16-7 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Jamal Murray
  • Tim Hardaway Jr.
  • Spencer Jones
  • Peyton Watson
  • Zeke Nnaji

Denver has quietly steadied itself, winning four of its last five after a shaky 3-6 stretch. That momentum matters, especially with the Nuggets still searching for answers without Nikola Jokic, who remains sidelined for at least three more weeks. They’re also looking to flip the script against Dallas after going 0-2 in the season series, including the 131-130 thriller last December 24.

In Jokic’s absence, Jamal Murray has taken full control, averaging 27.8 points over his last five and shouldering the late-game burden. Peyton Watson has been a revelation as well, pouring in 24.6 points per game on efficient shooting since the MVP went down. Aaron Gordon, still rounding into form after his own injury issues, continues to provide physicality and secondary scoring.

What’s kept Denver afloat is depth. Tim Hardaway Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett, Bruce Brown, and Spencer Jones have all stepped up in spurts, allowing the Nuggets to maintain the league’s top offense in both scoring and offensive rating. It hasn’t been pretty at times, but this group is proving it can survive – and even threaten – without its centerpiece.

HOME: Dallas Mavericks (15-25, 11-10 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Cooper Flagg
  • Max Christie / RJ Nembhard
  • Klay Thompson
  • Naji Marshall
  • Daniel Gafford

Dallas enters this matchup with a modest 3-6 record over its last nine, but context matters. The Mavs are fresh off a 113-105 win over the Brooklyn Nets and have already beaten Denver twice this season, giving them confidence despite recent inconsistency. Playing at home only strengthens that edge.

With Anthony Davis sidelined indefinitely due to a hand injury and PJ Washington also out, the spotlight has shifted firmly to Cooper Flagg. The teenage top pick has been sensational, especially against Denver, averaging 28.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the season series. His poise and versatility have quickly become the foundation of Dallas’ offense.

Naji Marshall and Max Christie are seeing expanded roles, with Marshall delivering 17.0 points per game over his last four outings. Klay Thompson remains a key veteran presence, even as his shooting numbers lag behind expectations. While Dallas ranks near the bottom offensively, its eighth-ranked defense has kept it competitive, and against a Jokic-less Nuggets squad, that balance could again tilt the matchup in the Mavs’ favor.

PICKS

Spread: Nuggets (+1)
Over/Under: Over (227)