Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Trust Luka Doncic and the Mavs to Stay Hot

Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Trust Luka Doncic and the Mavs to Stay Hot

NBA returns on Friday night, and we have a primetime affair between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks. Both of these teams have enjoyed a successful season to this stage in the year, and they will look to build on their season on the national stage tonight.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction

The star power of 76ers center Joel Embiid and Mavericks guard Luka Doncic will be on display in this game. These are two guys who are in the conversation for most valuable player in the NBA, and for a good reason. Embiid is coming off one of the best months by a center in the history of the NBA, scoring thirty points in games like it was easy.

He earned player of the month from the NBA for his outstanding performance. Doncic, on the flip side, had a great month of his own and has led this Mavericks team to look like a legit contender in the western conference. The issue for the Mavericks has been staying healthy this year. Luka has missed some time with some injuries and covid protocol, and the second-best player on this team Kristaps Porzingis, has been in and out of the lineup with injuries.

Sharpshooter Tim Hardway Jr is also out for this game tonight as he has been bothered by an injury. The guy who has really stepped up for the Mavericks is former Villanova guard Jalen Brunson who is playing himself into a big contract somewhere. His play has been so good that he has inserted himself into the starting lineup, and if he did not move into the starting lineup, he would be the frontrunner for the sixth man of the year. Both of these teams are looking to bounce back tonight after losing their previous game.

The pick I am going with in this game is going to be the Mavericks on the short money line. I know I am fading my hometown 76ers in this spot tonight but for a good reason. This is a tough spot for Philly, who is still missing multiple guards who see big minutes. The Sixers have really been Joel Embid and Tyrese Maxey this season, and that's it. If the Mavericks can limit Embid in this game, I like their chances of pulling off the win.

That is a tall task, but I believe the game plan here will be to force other guys to step up for Philly. I think the line is telling us the tale in this one; despite no KP or Hardway, the Mavericks are still a favorite facing one of the best teams in the East. I see a pretty significant advantage at the guard position tonight for the Mavericks with the combo of Doncic and Brunson. Philly missing some of their guards who see minutes for them, should show up in this game. Keep an eye if Seth Curry goes or not; he has been in and out of the lineup for Philly and plays a key role for this team. It would also be a Seth Curry revenge game against his former team. I will trust Luka and the home team to pull off the win tonight. Let's stay hot tonight!

Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Line Movement

Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Pick

• Pick: Dallas Mavericks ML -120 (Bet $120 to win $100)