Mavericks plus 2 1/2 hosting Trail Blazers
The 76ers, Pelicans, Wizards and Mavericks all share one thing in common so far this season – they are all winless. Certainly no surprise with the 76ers. The Pelicans are a lottery team, too. It’s the Wizards and Mavericks who are the biggest disappointments through the first nine days of the season.
Dallas is the topic here. The Mavericks are 0-4. To avoid their first 0-5 start in franchise history, they must defeat Portland at home tonight. I see that happening and am going to get involved now that early money has pushed Portland into the favorite’s role.
The Trail Blazers finished strong last season. But they haven’t been consistent this season losing three of their first five games. Now two of their defeats came to the Clippers and Warriors – no shame in that – but their other defeat occurred to the previously winless Suns. They also had to go overtime to beat Denver, or they would be sitting at 1-4.
Dirk Nowitzki is back after missing two games. He was rusty in his return shooting just 4-of-14 from the field in Dallas’ last game, a poorly played blowout road loss to the Jazz two nights ago. The Mavericks have a lot of veteran pride. Harrison Barnes and Deron Williams have been playing well. Dallas has one of the better coaches in Rick Carlisle. There is a tremendous sense of urgency for Dallas here.
Portland has failed to cover during its last four visits to Dallas. The Trail Blazers also are 1-7 ATS the past eight times going against opponents with a losing record.
I see the Mavericks getting the job done here – finally.
