Dallas Mavericks vs Brooklyn Nets Preview (10/27/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

After a tough loss against a weakened New Orleans Pelicans squad, the Dallas Mavericks will look to grab a road win in Brooklyn versus the Nets. I cover the projected starting lineups, any potential injury news and updates, my prediction, and the odds on the game below. See which team I have winning this matchup!

Dallas Mavericks Vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds

The Dallas Mavericks are 1.5-point road favorites against the Brooklyn Nets, who will be on the second night of a back-to-back after their game on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Tim Hardaway Jr is listed as questionable for Dallas, while Seth Curry and T.J. Warren will continue to sit for Brooklyn.

Dallas Mavericks Vs. Brooklyn Nets Prediction

Dallas took the New Orleans Pelicans for granted on Tuesday when they were without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones. Being without three starters usually results in a loss, but New Orleans came out hot and applied consistent pressure on the defensive end all game. One thing we know is that won’t be the case with Brooklyn.

The Nets rank dead last in opponent 3P% (three-point percentage) and boast the worst defensive rating (124.7, as of Wednesday) in the league. Dallas should be able to exploit this early and often.

This is a perfect matchup for Dallas, as it will give Doncic hefty usage, and one of two things will happen: Doncic will score in isolation or draw two defenders and kick to three-point shooters.

Between the fact that Brooklyn will be on the second night of a back-to-back and the Nets have shown no ability over the past year to cover the spread at home, I will stick with the Dallas Mavericks against the spread.

Betting Trends

• Brooklyn was 9-34-1 ATS at home in 2021-22 and is 1-1 ATS at home in 2022-23
• Dallas was 28-23 ATS on the road in 2021-22 and is 1-1 ATS on the road in 2022-23

Key Matchups

You will want to keep an eye on the key matchup in this game between Luka Doncic and the Brooklyn Nets’ defense. As of Wednesday night, the Brooklyn Nets have the worst defensive rating in the NBA at 124.7, three points higher (worse) than the next closest team. Meanwhile, Doncic looks like an obvious MVP, putting up ridiculous numbers through his first three games. Check out this key matchup below!

Luka Doncic vs. Nets’ Defense

Luka Doncic will likely be involved in almost every key matchup we cover when the Dallas Mavericks are being discussed. Doncic is averaging roughly 35 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists; if maintained for an entire season, Doncic should end the season with his first MVP award. Giannis just posted an absurd 43/14/5 line against the Nets on Wednesday, and with a defensive rating of 124.7, it’s not difficult to see where Doncic will have the advantage on this Nets team.

Brooklyn looked better on defense in that game but still has a long way to go. It ranks dead last in opponent 3P% (opponent three-point percentage), which will be a problem considering Dallas has shooters all over the floor. There’s no way Brooklyn can stick just one defender on an island with Doncic; the attention he demands will cause others to sag off their man, leaving ample kick-out opportunities for Dallas. Advantage: Doncic.

Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup

PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Spencer Dinwiddie
SF: Reggie Bullock
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
C: JaVale McGee

Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineups

PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Royce O’Neale
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Ben Simmons
C: Nic Claxton

Key Injuries

Dallas Mavericks Injuries: Davis Bertans (Out), Frank Ntilikina (Out), Tim Hardaway Jr (Q)

Brooklyn Nets Injuries: Seth Curry (Out), Markieff Morris (Out), T.J. Warren (Out)