The Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks meet for the first time this season. Will the Warriors spoil Dirk Nowitzki’s return to Dallas for his jersey retirement? Or, will the Mavs pay tribute to Dirk with a victory?
Catch this game live on Thursday, January 6, at 8:30 AM, Manila time.
Away: Golden State Warriors (29-7/12-4 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Jordan Poole
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Draymond Green
- C: Kevon Looney
Klay Thompson is nearing his much-awaited return, but it’s not going to be in this game against the Mavericks. Nevertheless, the Warriors’ roster is almost completely healthy, with Jordan Poole and Draymond Green back from their recent stints in the COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Poole exploded for 32 points on 12/17 shooting from the field in the Warriors’ 115-108 home win against the Miami Heat last Tuesday, and his scoring barrage helped Golden State overcome a rare cold outing from Stephen Curry, who mustered just nine points on 3/17 FG and 1/10 3FG.
That’s just probably a reminder from the basketball gods that Curry is human, and he could return back to his top form this Thursday against the Mavs. Apart from Poole, Andrew Wiggins has been balling out of late, as he’s put up an average of 22.7 points with a 56.3 3FG% in his last three games. The Warriors, who did not cover in the Miami game, are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games after failing to beat the spread in a previous outing.
Home: Dallas Mavericks (19-18/9-8 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Luka Doncic
- SG: Reggie Bullock
- SF: Dorian Finney-Smith
- PF: Maxi Kleber
- C: Dwight Powell
The Mavericks are picking up steam. They have gone 3-0 straight up in their last three games, which includes their 103-89 home versus the Denver Nuggets last Tuesday. Dallas’ defense has been on point, for the most part, this season, as the Mavericks are third in the NBA in scoring defense with just 103.9 points allowed per game. But they have even gotten better of late. In their last five games, the Mavs have surrendered just an average of 96.6 points while holding opponents to a mediocre 43.8 FG%.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic will look to orchestrate the Mavs’ attack that went 14/37 from deep against the Nuggets. Doncic led Dallas versus the Nuggets with 21 points and 15 assists. Kristaps Porzingis is still out after entering the league’s health and safety protocols, so Doncic should enjoy a higher usage than usual together with Jalen Brunson. With Dirk Nowitzki coming to town for his jersey retirement, the Mavs have an added inspiration to play well against the Warriors. The Mavericks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings with Golden State.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: Curry returns to form and the Warriors show the Mavs who’s the better defensive team between the two sides. Leaning on a Warriors cover (-5.5).
Over/Under: Both the Warriors and the Mavs play terrific defense. Expecting the total to hit the Under (210.5).
