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DALLAS -7 over Sacramento
The Dallas Mavericks hope to avenge an embarrassing loss to the Sacramento Kings when the teams with the top two records in the Western Conference meet tonight at the American Airlines Center. The Pacific Division-leading Kings absolutely manhandled the Midwest-leading Mavericks in Sacramento on January 15, 123-94. Chris Webber paced the Kings with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists and helped limit the Mavs' "Big Three" of Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Michael Finley to a combined 13-of-36 from the floor. But the Kings have lost five of six games and fell to 1-2 since losing Webber to a sprained left ankle with a 105-89 setback at Houston on Sunday. Webber, who suffered the injury in a home loss to Utah last Tuesday, will be out for three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Mavs, who have the best record in the NBA, have won four straight and seven of eight. Last night, they edged Utah on the road, 92-90, and will be very pumped up for this re-match. They are an amazing 11-0 ATS off a 1-3 point win as the win over the Jazz will only add to their confidence this evening. When playing with revenge at home, the Mavericks are 7-2 ATS, while the Kings are the mirror opposite 2-7 ATS as the visitor in that role. Also of note, the league is 11-4 ATS at home without rest off a win at Utah, including the last 5 straight.
Not only are the Mavs playing with revenge for the recent loss in Sacramento, but also for their quick dismissal in last year's playoff series. In their final game before the break, this will be a statement game for Dallas, especially their "Big 3". Look for Nowitski, especially, to have a strong outing in Webber's absence.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: DALLAS 109 SACRAMENTO 95
The Dallas Mavericks hope to avenge an embarrassing loss to the Sacramento Kings when the teams with the top two records in the Western Conference meet tonight at the American Airlines Center. The Pacific Division-leading Kings absolutely manhandled the Midwest-leading Mavericks in Sacramento on January 15, 123-94. Chris Webber paced the Kings with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists and helped limit the Mavs' "Big Three" of Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Michael Finley to a combined 13-of-36 from the floor. But the Kings have lost five of six games and fell to 1-2 since losing Webber to a sprained left ankle with a 105-89 setback at Houston on Sunday. Webber, who suffered the injury in a home loss to Utah last Tuesday, will be out for three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Mavs, who have the best record in the NBA, have won four straight and seven of eight. Last night, they edged Utah on the road, 92-90, and will be very pumped up for this re-match. They are an amazing 11-0 ATS off a 1-3 point win as the win over the Jazz will only add to their confidence this evening. When playing with revenge at home, the Mavericks are 7-2 ATS, while the Kings are the mirror opposite 2-7 ATS as the visitor in that role. Also of note, the league is 11-4 ATS at home without rest off a win at Utah, including the last 5 straight.
Not only are the Mavs playing with revenge for the recent loss in Sacramento, but also for their quick dismissal in last year's playoff series. In their final game before the break, this will be a statement game for Dallas, especially their "Big 3". Look for Nowitski, especially, to have a strong outing in Webber's absence.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: DALLAS 109 SACRAMENTO 95