Mavericks vs Knicks Prediction
Mavericks vs Knicks Prediction: The Dallas Mavericks (25-21) are set to tip off against the New York Knicks (24-24) in the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, I will be sharing with you my picks and predictions for when Luka Doncic and Julius Randle duel it out for the win and a higher seed for when the playoffs arrive.
Odds, Spreads, and Lines
- Last updated: 12:00 p.m.
- Moneyline: Mavericks (-227), Knicks (+180)
- Against the spread: Mavericks -6 (-110), Knicks +6 (-110)
- Over/Under: O 213.5 (-110), U 213.5 (-110)
Injury Report:
Mavericks:
Willie Cauley-Stein (Health and Safety Protocols) – ruled out against Celtics Wednesday night
Knicks:
Mitchell Robinson (Ankle) – Suffered fractured foot, ruled out
Derrick Rose (Ankle) – ruled out against Timberwolves Wednesday night
Mavericks Finding Their Rhythm
The Dallas Mavericks serve as a threat to all teams across the league for one particular reason. They own the right to one of the most diverse and unique talents across the NBA in their young superstar, Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks are discovering their identity at the most perfect time in the season. Heading into the All-Star break they were just a bit above .500 winning percentage with an overall record of 18 wins and 16 losses.
Since returning from the halfway point of the season the Mavericks have proceeded to win 7 of their last 12 contests.
The quality of wins are high. The quality of losses are low. This shows that like many other NBA teams, they are just as capable of beating the top teams as they are to lose to a team with a negative chance of making a playoff run.
High Quality Wins, Low Quality Losses
- 3/10 115-104 Win vs Spurs (24-21)
- 3/11 116-108 Loss vs Thunder (20-27)
- 3/13 116-103 Win vs Nuggets (29-18)
- 3/17 105-89 Win vs Clippers (32-17)
- 3/21 132-92 Win vs Trail Blazers (29-18)
- 3/26 109-94 Loss vs Pacers (21-25)
- 3/27 112-103 Loss vs Pelicans (21-25)
Mediocre would be the first word that comes to mind when describing the Mavericks play as of late. There needs to be some sense of consistency to be a top team in the NBA. How can you demolish the Nuggets, Clippers, and Trail Blazers, but then fall to the Pacers and Pelicans in consecutive nights.
With the Knicks at home Friday evening, the Mavericks must come prepared to play a hardnose type of game if they plan on winning.
Knicks Playing with Pride
In the 2020-21 NBA season the New York Knicks are playing with a sense of pride that we haven’t been able to see since the 1990’s where Patrick Ewing was able to carry his team to the playoffs year after year. 2014 is the last time the Knicks made the playoffs where they heavily relied on their all-star, Carmelo Anthony.
This year, they have the unexpected, enhanced performance out of all-star center, Julius Randle.
The Knicks sit in 6th place in the Eastern Conference with a .500 winning percentage at 24 wins along with 24 losses. Certainly, the Knicks have exceeded expectations this season after going 21-45 last season.
With new head coach and possible candidate for coach of the year, Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks lead the league in points against with only 104.5 points allowed on average.
Game Preview
At home, the Knicks hold a record of 14-9 while the Mavericks are 14-11 in away matchups. The Knicks have lost 2 straight as the Mavericks are coming off 2 consecutive wins of their own.
Prepare for this to be a tight matchup with not much scoring. The Knicks have had success shutting down the top players around the league and anticipate them to be able to contain Luka.
The young and inexperienced Knicks should come out hot against the Mavericks Friday night and keep it close for the remainder of the game.
Free Pick: New York Knicks +6
Good luck and have fun guys!
