The Mavericks are 0-2. They have had few competitive minutes in the fourth quarters of the two games they have played. It is essential that they come out swinging against Toronto today. The Raptors have looked good through two games, and play the style of basketball that the Mavericks are trying to play. They’re second in pace and ninth in defensive rating, but they’re not bombing threes. In fact, they are the only team taking less threes than Dallas. They are running the floor and scoring inside
the line, while moving the ball to the tune of 30 assists per game. The Mavericks are simply just going to have to be a better basketball team if they want to keep up.
Game intangibles
Toronto Raptors (1-1) at Dallas Mavericks (0-2)
Tipoff: 6:30p CT at the American Airlines Center in Dallas
How to watch: The game will be televised locally on KFAA Channel 29, or streaming on Mavs TV for anyone in the Mavericks media market. For those outside of the viewing area, NBA League Pass will have you covered.
Odds via the Fanduel Sportsbook as of Noon CST
Spread: Dallas +1
Over/Under: 232.5 (-110/-110)
Moneyline: Dallas -104
Player props
Scottie Barnes over 17.5 points (-114)
Immanuel Quickley to record 8+ assists (+260)
Barnes is the exact type of player that has given the Mavericks fits over the first two games: athletic, versatile, and can score at all three levels. He can also turn defense into offense and score in transition. Quickley had nine assists in his only game as a Raptor versus Dallas last February, and because the Mavericks’ point of attack defense is so bad, he will be able to break down the Dallas D and kick to open players all night.
Game sides
Toronto ML (-116)
Mavericks to be the first team to 10 points (-111)
Jason Kidd is good at getting his team to get up for games. I think the Mavericks will come out hot and force an early timeout from the Raptors’ head coach Darko Rajakovic. Unfortunately, I will believe the Mavericks can score more than an opponent when I see it. Toronto will win this game.
