Spurs vs. Mavericks: 3 Best Bets
The San Antonio Spurs are in dire need of some holiday cheer. They are one of the worst teams in the NBA, they snapped an 18-game winning streak and immediately started a new one, losing their last three. Tonight, they travel to take on the Dallas Mavericks for the second time this season. On opening night, the Spurs lost by seven to Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, but Doncic is not playing tonight.
Hardly anyone is playing for Dallas. Keldon Johnson is the only Spur on the injury report, probable with back issues, but the Mavericks are riddled with the injury bug. Joining Doncic on the report are Dante Exum, Josh Green, Kyrie Irving, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Livley II.
Jeremy Sochan (10) pushes pack a Dereck Lively II (2) pick.
© Daniel Dunn, USA TODAY
The Mavericks have also lost three straight games, but played last night, losing to Houston. With injuries and fatigue a huge factor, the Spurs could sneak a win. Check out our three best bets below, powered by SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Mavericks -7.5 (-118)/Spurs +7.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Mavericks (-333)/Spurs (+240)
Over/under: 239.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Victor Wembanyama OVER 18.5 points (-118)
Grant Williams is a good basketball player, but he is 6-6. He is projected to be the starting center for Dallas, and I’m not exactly sure how he’s expected to stop someone who has nearly a foot on him and just as much lateral quickness. I suppose no one in the league can reliably stop Victor Wembanyama, but this is just unfair. The Spurs should be able to dominate the paint tonight just by feeding their rookie.
Back-to-form pick: Keldon Johnson OVER 1.5 threes made (-118)
Keldon Johnson is zero-for-seven from deep over his last three games, which is why this line is so low. Before this streak, he easily made two threes per night and shot 37 percent from deep. In a low-pressure situation against an injury-riddled team and with the benefit of an off day yesterday, Johnson should be able to return to form.
Team pick: Spurs to win (+240)
If it doesn’t happen tonight, then this game will be a stain on the young Spurs. Dallas is not even trying to win this game and should have no chance. Fans have been told that Jeremy Sochan is the next Dennis Rodman, Devin Vassell is an excellent shooter, and Victor Wembanyama is the greatest rookie ever. I’ve been telling you that, guilty as charged. If the Spurs can’t win, and win convincingly, then I might have to eat those words.
