Spurs vs. Mavericks: 3 Best Bets
Despite a historical performance against the Toronto Raptors by Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs have not excelled as of late. They just snapped a seven-game losing streak and will have a tough matchup tonight as they take on the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks are riding a five-game win streak and look like legitimate title contenders. They added PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford before the trade deadline, and are all-in on a Luka-led playoff run.
Dec 23, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) sits on the bench with teammates during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas has already beaten the Spurs twice this season and is expected to make it three in a row tonight. The Spurs have a clean injury report, but Dallas will be without Dante Exum and Greg Brown III. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are both probable, and Dereck Livley II and Maxi Kleber are questionable.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Mavericks -11.5 (-105)/Spurs +11.5 (-118)
Money line: Mavericks (-654)/Spurs (+430)
Over/under: 242.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Victor Wembanyama OVER 22.5 points (-133)
In the game against Toronto, Wembanyama looked like one of the best players in the world. While it's unlikely that he will post another triple-double, he will show out tonight. He missed the Spurs' second game against Dallas after tripping over an employee's foot, and his first matchup with the Mavs-his first NBA game-he posted 15 points. Now that he's seasoned, expect a big night especially if Lively doesn't play.
Opponent pick: Luka Doncic UNDER 32.5 points (-133)
With Wembanyama down low, Doncic will have trouble getting to the rim. No matter, he can score from deep, right? Wrong, because he will have to go up against Jeremy Sochan, who held Scottie Barnes to 2-of-14 shooting. Dubbed "the Polish Prison," Doncic will have trouble scoring on Sochan and Wemby.
Team pick: OVER 242.5 total points (-110)
In the previous two matchups, this line was blown out of the water, and Wembanyama either didn't play or was making his debut. Tonight, a full-strength Spurs team should feel the wrath of the new-look Mavericks but will bring some offensive power of their own, thanks to a combo of Wembanyama and Devin Vassell.
