Mavericks vs Nuggets Preview: Odds, Injuries & Key Props

Mavericks vs Nuggets Preview: NBA Showdown in Denver

The NBA stage is set for a crucial Western Conference matchup as the Dallas Mavericks (6-15) travel to face the Denver Nuggets (14-5) on Monday, December 1, at 9:00 p.m. EST. With playoff implications looming, this clash pits two teams heading in opposite directions against each other at Ball Arena.

Team Context and Recent Form

The Mavericks arrive in Denver after splitting a back-to-back series against the Los Angeles Clippers over the weekend. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg delivered a standout performance with 35 points in Saturday's win, but Dallas continues to struggle offensively, ranking dead last in the NBA with a 103.4 offensive rating. Their road record stands at just 2-5.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets have been dominant at home (6-3 SU) despite key injuries. They bounced back from a Friday loss to San Antonio by defeating Phoenix on Saturday night. Denver boasts the league's top-rated offense (+10.5 net rating) and is 12-7 ATS this season.

Crucial Injury Reports

Dallas Mavericks:

Out: Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Dante Exum
Doubtful: Daniel Gafford (critical absence against Jokic)
Probable: Anthony Davis
Questionable: P.J. Washington, Brandon Williams

Denver Nuggets:

Out: Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther
Probable: Nikola Jokic

Betting Odds and Lines

Odds via DraftKings:

Spread: Nuggets -11.5 (-105) / Mavericks +11.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Nuggets -520 / Mavericks +390
Total: Over 235.5 (-108) / Under 235.5 (-112)

Denver's depth concerns haven't deterred oddsmakers, who installed them as double-digit favorites. The Nuggets are favored to win outright despite missing Gordon and Braun.

Key Matchup: Jokic vs. Mavs Frontcourt

The game's central battle features Nikola Jokic against Dallas's depleted frontcourt. With Gafford doubtful and Lively II out, Jokic could exploit significant rebounding mismatches. Dallas ranks 28th in opponent rebounds and 26th in rebounding percentage.

Jokic enters averaging 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. He's recorded a triple-double in 10 of 19 contests this season. His 20.7 rebound chances per game dwarf Dallas's capabilities.

Expert Predictions and Best Prop Bets

"Dallas simply isn’t going to be able to compete on offense in this game... I wouldn't be shocked if Denver wins in a blowout." – Peter Dewey, Sports Illustrated Betting

Analysts widely favor Denver covering the spread, citing:

Jokic's dominance against undersized defenders
Mavs' league-worst offense
Nuggets' home dominance

Top Player Props:

Nikola Jokic Triple-Double (-110): Expected to feast on Dallas's rebounding woes
Max Christie Over 1.5 Threes (-190): Exploits Nuggets' league-worst corner defense
Max Christie Over 2.5 Threes (+142): Hits this line in 67% of games

How to Watch

The game airs live on KFAA in Dallas and Altitude/FanDuel Sports Network in Denver. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST at Ball Arena.

What to Watch For

Cooper Flagg's development against NBA-caliber defense will be crucial for Dallas. Can the rookie sustain his scoring against Jokic? For Denver, Michael Porter Jr. and Reggie Jackson must compensate for Gordon's absence defensively. Watch if Denver's zone defense can contain Dallas's corner threes.

Final Prediction

Despite Denver's injury concerns, their elite offense and Jokic's dominance should overcome Dallas's struggling defense. Expect a Nuggets victory with a comfortable cover, potentially triggering the over given Denver's pace and Dallas's recent defensive struggles.