The Dallas Mavericks (12-8) take on the Portland Trail Blazers (6-14) Friday with tip-off from Moda Center set for 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; tied 2-2 last year
The Mavs climbed the Uinta Mountains and gave the Utah Jazz “The People’s Elbow” as they destroyed them 147-97 Wednesday. G Luka Doncic had 40 points, 11 assists and 10 boards while G Kyrie Irving produced 26 points. They have just 4 wins in the last 10 games, but Doncic missed some time on paternity leave. They’re in a soft spot in the schedule to get back on track.
The Trail Blazers held tight in a 110-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors Wednesday. We cashed a couple bets in that one as the Blazers covered a +12.5. They have now covered 5 of 6 games and have something brewing with the duo of G Anfernee Simons (23.0 PPG) and G Shaedon Sharpe (18.1 PPG). Sharpe has posted 29, 25 and 26 points in the last 3 games. Simons returned from a 6-week absence due to injury with 28 Wednesday.