The Dallas Mavericks hit the hardwood and will go up against the defending champion Denver Nuggets Monday nightinside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. They jump it up at 9:00 pm. The defending champion Nuggets have had some issues closing games this season, while the Mavericks have shown they can win some close games late. 

 

Bookmaker has installed the Nuggets as a very solid 7 1/2-point favorite. 

 

 

The Nuggets (17-10) have had some issues but they still have been able to win three out of their last four games. They have responded nicely after a brief and rough three-game losing streak. But, that is expected as they are a veteran team and a championship team that does not get rattled at all. 

 

They have a ton of heart and guts and they take on the personality of their best player in center Nikola Jokic, who is leading the team in points with an average of 27 a game and that matches a career-high for the perennial league MVP candidate. 

 

Denver connects on a scorching 55% from the floor, including a solid 36% from beyond the arc and look for them to get Jamal Murray going early and often in this one. Murray has been a great player for the Nuggets and he is averaging close to 18 a game and has really emerged as a great second option for Jokic.  Jokic has averaged 25 or less in five of his last six games. 

 

 

The Mavericks (16-9) have put together a nice start to the season and have also put together a nice little run of winning five of six overall. They have also played much better defense over the last couple of weeks, but they are a team that loves to push the pace and score in bunches. 

 

Dallas is led by 24-year-old point guard Luka Doncic who is a big time play maker and at times a magician with the ball in his hands. He can create shots from anywhere on the floor and can play with his back to the basket as well. He is averaging a ridiculous 32 points per game and once again has clearly shown he is one of the league's best scorers. 

 

The Mavericks connect on a solid 56% from the floor and a very solid 37% from beyond the arc but they are a dangerous team because they have solid guard play and they can knock down open looks. They score 119 points per game which is good for sixth in the league. They have also allowed more than 119 points in three straight games. 

 

 

The Nuggets are 2-3 in their last five games and they are also 1-3 in their last five games against the number. They are a dismal 3-10 in their road games against the number. Dallas is 3-2 in their last five games and 3-2 in their last five games against the number. They are also 7-4 in their road games against the spread too. 

Dallas will play Denver tough and cover in this one. Take Mavericks + 7 1/2