NBA Basketball
2012-01-04 - Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Wednesday 4 January 2012 - Tip Off 8:30pm ET
1:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Dallas Mavericks (2-4) started the new season in lethargic fashion, perhaps something to do with the fact that they are the reigning Champions of the NBA or the lockout meaning the season started around 2 months later than it should have done.
It can be hard for a team to immediately return to form when they have won the biggest prize in their sport, but there were some definite signs that Dallas are ready to get on with the hard work after they beat Oklahoma City at home last time out.
Dirk Nowitzki has made a slow start to the season, but he looked very good against the Thunder and has averaged 28 points per game in a 7 game winning run at home over the Phoenix Suns (2-3). With the likes of Lamar Odom and Jason Terry coming off the bench and finding their roles back in the rotation, Dallas look set to be a real threat in the weakened Western Conference this season.
Phoenix are another team that are expected to have it a little tougher this year with the congested schedule as they, like Dallas, are one of the older squads in the NBA. Steve Nash continues to lead the team from PG, and comes into this one having played his best game of the season in a win over Golden State.
Markieff Morris has started his NBA career in good fashion and seems to be learning his role in the team very quickly, but will face his toughest test so far as he plays opposite Nowitzki.
Head to Head
Dallas have covered the spread in the last 5 games in the series against Phoenix.
They are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games at home against the Suns.
Dallas are 3-3 against the spread this season, Phoenix are 3-2.
Dallas are 1-2 against the spread as the favourite this season, Phoenix are 2-1 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
Dallas are 21-7-2 against the spread in their last 30 games following a straight up win of 10 points or more.
They are 12-3-2 against the spread in their last 17 games when playing with 1 days rest.
The Mavericks are 7-2-1 against the spread in their last 10 games when playing on the first of back to back nights scheduled.
Phoenix are 9-4-1 against the spread in their last 14 games on the road.
Prediction
I am going to back the Dallas Mavericks to win this game and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, I think the Mavericks are trying to pick up momentum after a difficult start to the season and will want to build on that win over Oklahoma City last time out.
Second, Dallas have performed well when playing the first of back to back nights scheduled.
Third, Dallas have played very well at home against Phoenix in recent meetings in the series.
The Pick :
Dallas Mavericks 106-96 Phoenix Suns
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Dallas Mavericks -8 Points @ 1.92