Nuggets Face Mavericks in High-Stakes NBA Showdown on TNT - Times News Global
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Nuggets Face Mavericks in High-Stakes NBA Showdown on TNT

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Denver Nuggets Vs Dallas Mavericks Nba Game

DALLAS, Texas — The Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks are set to clash in a primetime NBA matchup on TNT tonight, with both teams navigating key injuries and betting markets buzzing with anticipation. The game, scheduled for January 15, 2025, will test the Mavericks’ depth as they continue to miss star players Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

The Nuggets enter the game with a nearly full lineup, as Jamal Murray (illness), Aaron Gordon (knee), and Michael Porter Jr. (calf) are all listed as probable. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will be without Tim Hardaway Jr. (calf) for the 10th straight game, while Maxi Kleber (back) remains questionable after missing the last five contests.

Dallas has struggled offensively in the absence of Dončić and Irving, averaging just 109.0 points per game (PPG) compared to their season average of 116.1 PPG. The duo’s absence has also impacted the team’s shooting efficiency, with the Mavericks’ effective field goal percentage (eFG%) dropping from 57.5% to 54.0% without Dončić. Their true shooting percentage has similarly dipped from 60.5% to 57.9%.

Denver, on the other hand, boasts the fourth-best offensive rating in the league and excels at attacking the rim, averaging the most points in the paint per game. This strategy aligns well against Dallas’ defense, which allows the sixth-most points in the paint per game (49.7) but ranks fourth-lowest in three-point shot distribution allowed (36.0).

Betting markets favor the Nuggets, who are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games, compared to the Mavericks’ 2-8 ATS record over the same span. FanDuel Research projects a 113.0-point total for Dallas, suggesting value in betting the under on their 114.5 team total.

One key matchup to watch is between Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Dallas’ rookie center Dereck Lively II. Jokic, averaging 31.2 PPG this season, has been held under 20 points in three of his last five games against the Mavericks. Lively, drafted in 2023, has significantly improved Dallas’ interior defense, limiting opponents to 50.2% shooting on shots within 10 feet.

FanDuel’s projections suggest Jokic is likely to score under his 28.5-point prop, offering value for bettors. The Nuggets’ strong interior defense and the Mavericks’ offensive struggles without their stars make this a pivotal game for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning.