Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
| Game Time | 2:30 pm EST |
| Minnesota Timberwolves Line | +5 |
| Dallas Mavericks Line | -5 |
| Total | 222 |
| TV: | NBA TV |
Below is a detailed analysis for Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks game.
PREGAME WARM-UP:
In the second game of the 2024 NBA Christmas Day, we have an all-Western battle, as the Dallas Mavericks are hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves are coming off three consecutive losses, both at home, and are on their second stop of a three-game road trip, where they have been playing significantly worse than at home. On the other hand, the Mavs have been playing much better lately and have risen to the fourth place of the West. Dallas has lost just three times in their last seventeen games, and are playing their fourth consecutive home game.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report: Brandon Williams is questionable, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum are out
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report: Naz Reid, Luka Garza are questionable, Joe Ingles, Daishen Nix are out
Dallas Mavericks Form and Trends
The Mavs have a 19-10 record this season and are sitting on the 4th place of the West. The Mavs are 17-11-1 against the spread and 15-13-1 in over/under. Dallas has a 10-4 home record, and are 9-5 against the spread, with a +10.2-point differential. The Mavs are 10-2 in their last 12 games and 9-3 against the spread. Under is 3-1 in their last 4 home games.
The Mavericks are coming off a 132-108 win over Portland, as they shot with 53% from the field and saw three of its players scoring 20+ points. Luka Doncic returned to the lineup and led Dallas’ offense with 27 points, adding 7 rebounds and 7 assists, but showed some rust in his shooting, as he made just 1-7 three-pointers.
Doncic leads the Mavs in scoring with 28.8 points, adding 8.5 rebounds and a team-high 8.1 assists per game. Kyrie Irving adds 23.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists.
Minnesota Timberwolves Recent Form and Trends
The Timberwolves have a 14-14 record this season and are tied with the Suns on the 10th place of the West. The Wolves are 11-17 against the spread and 13-15 in over/under. Minnesota has a 6-8 road record, but are just 7-7 against the spread, with a +1-point differential. The Wolves have three consecutive losses and are 8-2 to the under in their last 10 games.
The Timberwolves are coming off a 104-117 loss to Atlanta, as they shot with just 43% from the field, while allowing the Hawks to shoot with 53% from the field and 50% from downtown. Naz Reid led Minnesota’s offense with 23 points off the bench.
Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves both in scoring with 25.3 points, adding 5.5 rebounds and 4 assists. Julius Randle adds 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
Statistical Breakdown
Offensively, the Mavs average 118.8 points per game, which is the 5th-best in the NBA. They shoot 48.8% from the field, which is the 6th-best in the NBA, and 37.7% from beyond the arc (7th). Defensively, the Mavs allow 112 points per game, which is 13th in the league.
Offensively, the Wolves average 109.2 points per game, which is 23rd in the league. They shoot 45.7% from the field (18th) and with 37% from beyond the arc (13th). Defensively, they allow 107.2 points per game, which is the fourth-best in the NBA.
In their previous meeting earlier this season, the Mavericks won 120-114 on the road. Dallas is 5-1 in their last 6 overall meetings against Minnesota, and 5-1 against the spread. Both teams are tied 2-2 wins in their last 4 meetings in Dallas. Over is 5-1 in their last 6 meetings.
Prediction
In this Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, the Mavericks are coming as -4.5 home favorites. The Dallas has the luxury of being at home for almost a week, as they are playing their fourth consecutive home game. On the other hand, the Wolves are playing their second consecutive road game, and have been below average on the road. the Mavs also have the Wolves’ number in their recent meetings, and I expect them to take advantage of the home court and win and cover the spread. Take the Dallas Mavericks by -4.5 points in this one. Nick’s Pick: Dallas Mavericks -5
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