Mavericks vs Knicks: MLK Day Showdown in New York
The Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks are set to clash on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, bringing basketball fans an exciting matchup at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on NBC/Peacock. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, making this game a must-watch for NBA enthusiasts.
Recent Performances
The Mavericks throttled the Utah Jazz 138-120 on Saturday, covering as a 3.5-point home favorite with the Over (240.5) cashing. Dallas was led by forward Klay Thompson, who scored 23 points and drained 6 triples. The Mavericks have won 3 of their last 4 games and have covered in each victory. However, they are 19-24 against the spread (ATS) on the season.
Mavericks' Winning Streak
The Mavericks' recent win against the Jazz was a testament to their ability to score points. Thompson's performance was outstanding, and the team's overall effort was commendable. Despite their recent success, the Mavericks face a tough challenge against the Knicks, who are playing at home and have been a formidable team this season.
On the other hand, the Knicks lost to the Phoenix Suns 106-99 on Saturday, failing to cover as a 1-point home favorite. The Under (223.5) hit in that game. Center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 23 points and hauled in 11 rebounds in the defeat. New York has gone just 2-8 over its last 10 contests and has only covered in the 2 victories. The Knicks are 21-21 ATS on the season.
Knicks' Struggles
The Knicks' recent struggles to cover the spread are a cause for concern. However, they have been a strong team at home, and their performance against the Suns showed their resilience. The Knicks will be looking to bounce back in this game and prove their worth against the Mavericks.
Odds and Betting Picks
Here are the current odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Moneyline (ML): Mavericks +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Knicks -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the Spread (ATS): Mavericks +10.5 (-110) | Knicks -10.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Expert Picks and Predictions
According to experts, the Knicks are the healthier side and have performed well at home. They are too expensive to consider for a moneyline bet, though. The recommended pick is to bet on the Knicks -10.5 (-110). The Knicks, while they've struggled to cover as of late, are 14-7 ATS at Madison Square Garden, per TeamRankings.com. New York has scored at least 123 points in 6 of its last 13 games, so it can dominate on that side of the court.
For the Over/Under, the recommendation is to bet on the Over 229.5 (-115). Both teams know how to score the ball, and both are trending towards the Over. The Mavericks have scored 141 points per game over their last 2 contests and have gone Over in 3 straight performances. The Knicks have traded off going Over and Under in their last 10 games and are primed to go Over after scoring just 99 points on the Suns Saturday.
Key Injuries
Both teams have some key injuries that could impact the game:
Mavericks Injuries
- Forward Anthony Davis (finger) is out
- Guard Dante Exum (knee) is out for the season
- Forward Cooper Flagg (ankle) is questionable
- Center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is out
- Guard Kyrie Irving (knee) is out
- Center Dereck Lively II (foot) is out
- Guard D'Angelo Russell (illness) is out
- Forward P.J. Washington (personal) is out
Knicks Injuries
- Guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) is questionable
- Forward Josh Hart (ankle) is questionable
Conclusion
The Mavericks vs Knicks game promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The Knicks, playing at home and with a stronger record, are favored to win. However, the Mavericks' recent form and ability to score points could make this a closely contested game. Basketball fans won't want to miss this thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden.
