NBA Picks Experts Preview: Mavericks vs Spurs 3/15

The Dallas Mavericks will take on the San Antonio Spurs on March 15, 2023, at 8:30 PM EST at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX. The Mavericks, with a record of 34-35, will look to improve their away record of 12-21. On the other hand, the Spurs, with a record of 18-50, will try to defend their home court with a record of 12-23. In this article, we will analyze both teams' offenses and defenses, provide injury updates, and give our expert predictions for this game.

Dallas Mavericks

Offense: The Mavericks' offense has been average this season, ranking 18th in points per game with 113.5. However, they are an efficient shooting team, ranking 6th in effective field goal percentage with 56.3%. They are also excellent at getting to the free-throw line, ranking 1st in free throw attempt rate with 0.308. Luka Doncic, who leads the team in points per game with 33.0, is out for the Mavericks.

Defense: The Mavericks' defense has been average as well, ranking 14th in opponent points per game with 113.1. They will need to improve their rebounding, as they rank 29th in defensive rebounds per game with 30.8. However, they have done a good job limiting opponents' three-point shooting, ranking 8th in opponent three-point percentage with 35.0%.

San Antonio Spurs

Offense: The Spurs' offense has struggled this season, ranking 25th in points per game with 112.0. They will need to improve their shooting efficiency, as they rank 25th in effective field goal percentage with 52.4%. However, they are excellent at scoring in the paint, ranking 2nd in points in the paint per game with 56.0. Keep an eye on Keldon Johnson, who leads the team in points per game with 21.6.

Defense: The Spurs' defense has been one of the worst in the league this season, ranking last in opponent points per game with 122.0. They will need to improve their rebounding, as they rank 21st in opponent total rebounds per game with 52.6. Additionally, they will need to improve their opponent shooting efficiency, as they rank last in opponent effective field goal percentage with 57.4%.

Betting Trends:

According to various NBA picks experts and NBA picks computers, the Mavericks are favored to win this game with a spread of 5.5 points. The Mavericks are 24-42-3 against the spread this season, while the Spurs are 28-40-0 against the spread.

Injuries:

The Mavericks will be without the services of Luka Doncic, who is out due to injury, while Christian Wood and Kyrie Irving are game-time decisions. For the Spurs, Khem Birch, Romeo Langford, Malaki Branham, Keldon Johnson, and Charles Bassey are all out due to injury.

Prediction:

Looking at the team statistics, the Mavericks have a slightly better offense than the Spurs, but their defense is almost identical. The Mavericks have lost their last two games, but prior to that, they won three out of four games, which shows that they are capable of putting together some wins. On the other hand, the Spurs have lost four out of their last five games.

Based on these factors, the Mavericks seem to have the edge in this matchup. The absence of Luka Doncic will be a significant loss, but the Mavericks have enough firepower to compensate for his absence. The Spurs will also be without several key players, which will make it difficult for them to keep up with the Mavericks.

Pick: Mavericks