Mavericks vs. Bucks Betting Preview & Pick for 11/18/23

Dallas Mavericks (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (8-4 SU, 3-9 ATS)

When: Saturday, November 18th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Fiserv Forum, WI, Milwaukee

TV: NBA

Point Spread: Dal +2.5/Mil -2.5

Total: 241

Money Line: Dallas Mavericks +110/-131

Notable Injuries

Mavericks

• Maxi Kleber (Out) Toe

Bucks

• Jae Crowder (Out) Groin
• MarJon Beauchamp (Questionable) Ankle
• Chris Livingston (Questionable) Ankle

Recent Form

Coming into today’s game vs. the Bucks, the Mavericks are looking to build on their above .500 record of 9-3. Throughout their 12 games, the Mavericks have posted a 4-2 record against Western Conference opponents while going 5-1 in non-conference matchups.

In today’s game against the Mavericks, the Bucks aim to continue their success with a record above .500, currently at 8-4. The Bucks have a 3-3 record on the road this season compared to their 5-1 record when playing at home.

The Historicals

Through the last 5 head-to-head matchups, neither team has gotten a leg up on the spread, each sitting at 2-2-1. In addition, the games have been competitive, with an average of just 0 points per game separating the teams. A combined average of 218 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

The Mavericks are coming off a good offensive performance, putting up 130 points vs. the Wizards. This figure is more than their season average of 123.4 points per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. led the team in scoring with 31 points. Luka Doncic also added 26 points for the Mavericks.

At this time, the Mavericks’ defense is positioned 25th in the NBA, permitting 118.7 points per game.

In their previous matchup vs. the Wizards, the Mavericks’ defense struggled, giving up a field goal percentage of 52% leading to 117 points.

Milwaukee’s offense is coming off a good game, putting up 130 points vs. the Hornets. Overall, they hit 55.1% of their shots from the field and went 10/13 from the free-throw line. Damian Lillard led the team in scoring, putting up 27 points. Additionally, Malik Beasley contributed 20 points for the Bucks.

At this time, the Bucks’ defense is positioned 23rd in the NBA, permitting 116.2 points per game.

When it comes to forced turnovers, the Bucks are forcing 14.2 per game, which is 17th in the league. They also come into the game sitting 13th in blocked shots at 5.4 per game.

Betting Trends

• Across their last three road contests, Dallas has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1 while averaging 125 points per game.
• In their last five games at home, the Bucks have a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 121 points per game in these contests.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Mavericks have a straight-up record of 1-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 3-2.
• As the betting favorite, the Bucks have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight-up record was 3-0.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

One of the best matchups of tonight’s NBA slate is the Mavericks traveling to face the Bucks. After an up-and-down start, the Bucks have rattled off three straight wins. However, it should be noted this came against the Bulls, Raptors, and Hornets. But at home, they are favored by 2.5 vs Dallas. I’m counting on huge games from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. I like Dallas at +2.5.