The Dallas Mavericks head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers in what should be a fun intra-conference matchup. The Cavaliers have been slumping as of late and need wins to protect their tenuous playoff position. Can they pull it together against one of the NBA’s best teams and be the winning NBA pick? Keep reading as we’ll break down the NBA odds.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks found the winning formula when they added defensive pressure and intensity to the mix. Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has to be credited for instilling a sense of pride and determination into Dallas’ defensive efforts.
With a defensive rating of 108.8, the Dallas Mavericks are tied with the Miami Heat for the 5th best defensive rating of the season. Dallas' commitment to getting stops has been the precursor for their outstanding season.
Join Now: $1,000 BMR 12-Week All Sports Challenge
The Mavericks had a slow start this year but once they found their defensive identity, the Mavericks have been getting wins. At the end of 2021, the Mavericks were 17-18. The Mavericks are 29-11 since. Dallas was bolstered at the trade deadline by the addition of Spencer Dinwiddie.
Dallas now has three quality options to create good shots in the half-court setting. Most importantly, they have Luka Doncic, one of the most brilliant creators in the NBA game today.
The Mavericks' most recent game was a 114–100 win over their rival, the Utah Jazz, who is their most likely opponent in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The win was important for Dallas because the game was played in a playoff-style atmosphere, with both teams knowing that the result could determine who has a home-court advantage when the teams meet in the playoffs.
Dallas' ability to get a decisive victory over their most likely opponent helped them build great momentum going into the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers have opposite momentum going into the end of the season. Cleveland has lost 3 of their last 5 and is 4-6 over their last 10, causing a precipitous drop in the standings for the Cavaliers. At one time, it looked like the Cavaliers would have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, now it appears they may be headed for the play-in tournament.
Cleveland did not start playing worse, injuries have riddled their roster. The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to keep pace and hope to bring Jarrett Allen back for the playoffs to strengthen the core of their team.
Get Involved: BMR Community
The Cavaliers suffered more bad news on the injury front when Evan Mobley sprained his ankle in their last game, a 107-101 win over the Orlando Magic. The Cavaliers were struggling with the loss of Jarrett Allen, and missing Evan Mobley is another blow to this team's size, strength, and rebounding ability.
While the Cavaliers have plenty to be happy about this season, the injuries have made the end of the season a rough turn of events for a promising young team.
With Evan Mobley most likely out for tonight's game and to miss more upcoming games, all eyes and offensive attention will turn to team leader Darius Garland. Garland had 25 points and 12 assists in the most recent win and leads the team in scoring at 21 points per game. Garland is also great at creating opportunities for his teammates and leads the team averaging 8.6 assists per game.
Garland’s emergence into a true All-Star caliber player has been key for the Cavaliers this season.
Key Matchup
Luka Doncic vs. Darius Garland
Although the switch-heavy style of defense that NBA teams play means that both players will rarely defend each other, each man's offensive output will be key to his respective teams' success. Luka Doncic has proved time and time again that he can get things done in the half-court with the game on the line.
Darius Garland has shown that he can do that this year, but he will need a sustained level of success to be considered in the same tier as Doncic as far as team leaders are concerned. Tonight is a great opportunity to lead his short-handed team against the Dallas Mavericks. If Garland can keep pace and outscore Doncic, the Cavaliers have a great chance to get the home win.
If Doncic shows once again why he is a perennial MVP candidate and outscores Garland, the Mavericks will most likely get the win.
Best Bet
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, in this weakened state, they are no match for a true top contender. That is exactly what Dallas is. Dallas is a team there's properly built. While the Cavaliers are properly built, with their current injury state, they have many holes that the Mavericks will be able to take advantage of.
Darius Garland will do pretty well in his duel with Luka Doncic, but I don't think it will be enough against a veteran Dallas team. Both teams will continue their current trajectory; the Mavericks up and the Cavaliers down. Our NBA pick for today is the Dallas Mavericks -4.
NBA Pick: Dallas Mavericks -4 (-108) with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
