Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 3/14/24 – In an electrifying showdown set to captivate basketball fans, the Dallas Mavericks (36-28) are gearing up to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (45-19) this Thursday. As we dive into the heart of the season, both teams are vying for playoff positioning, making this matchup a crucial battle on the NBA calendar. For those seeking the latest NBA free picks, this game presents an intriguing puzzle, with both teams showcasing distinct strengths and challenges.
| When: | Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Paycom Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
On to the next 🫡@KyrieIrving // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/t8PA3n2XWe
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 14, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mavericks | +9.5 -110 | o237 -115 | +275 |  |
| Thunder | -9.5 -110 | u237 -105 | -345 | |
| ||||
Luka Doncic (PG) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG)
Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, their prodigy at the point, has proven to be MVP-worthy. Averaging 34.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game over 56 appearances, Doncic has been the location where all the offenses of Dallas meet. This multi-sided play and his influence on the game are what makes him fearsome on the court. On the other hand, his average of 4 turnovers per game indicates one potential weak link because teams that play well in transition can exploit this defensively.
However, on the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has demonstrated the best talent for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Having played in a total of 63 games this season, he has averaged 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in each game. It is the combination of his efficiency, top-notch field goal percentage of 50.1% and 3-point shooting accuracy of 39.5%, with his defense skills, registering 2.1 steals and one block per game, that put him in the team. He can break down an opponent’s offense, and yet he is almost always involved in team scoring. This makes him the dual threat.
When Doncic and Gilgeous- Alexander square off on the court, it’s not only a match-up of two star point guards but also a display of two of the league’s most explosive stars. Apart from leading their teams in scoring, these players also contribute greatly in play facilitation, therefore, their match up has a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the game.
A High-Powered Offense Meets Balanced Execution
The Mavericks’ campaign, meanwhile, utilized plenty of offensive weapons. On average, their 119 score per game with a 48.1% field goal percentage takes the cake among the scoring teams in the league. The three-points shots they choose frequently and make over 14 times per game (37.3%). What this offensive whopper, the results of which are mostly from Doncic’s scoring and distributing, has brought to the table is hard to contain for most opponents.
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Efficiency
By contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder tend to formulate their strategy from a blend of offensive finesse with defensive dominance. Scoring 120.8 points on average while making 50. 1% of their shots, they snatch the win away from the Mavericks in both scoring and efficiency. Their defense is their fortress, 8.3 steals and 6.8 blocks per game,became the foundation for their fast breaks. This balanced tactic provides them with the upper hand in few of the fights.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
While the betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, the matchup presents a tantalizing prospect for bettors. Given the Thunder’s superior record and home-court advantage, they might be slight favorites, but the Mavericks’ ability to explode offensively should not be underestimated.
Trends
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Mavericks are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Dallas Mavericks are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Mavericks are 19-11 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Mavericks’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 15 of Mavericks’ 34 last games at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Thunder are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Oklahoma Thunder are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Thunder are 17-14 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Thunder’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 15 of Thunder’ 32 last games at home.
Injuries
Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic PG Is “?” Thursday vs Oklahoma City, Hamstring
Oklahoma City
Jalen Williams SG Is “?” Thursday vs Dallas, Ankle
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Picks
When you factor in the Mavericks’ high powered offense and the well balanced attack of the Thunder, we can expect a hard fought game between these two teams. The main difference between these teams is their style of play and their methods are either shooting 3-pointers or stopping their opponent, leading to fast-break opportunities.
For bettors looking towards premier casino sites, the smart money might lean towards the Thunder, given their home-court advantage and slightly better form. However, betting on the OVER for total points could also be a wise choice, given both teams’ offensive capabilities. With this in mind, a predicted score leans towards a Thunder victory in a high-scoring affair. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Thunder 122, Mavericks 117.
