The Brooklyn Nets are a team in limbo and one certainly to watch ahead of the NBA trade deadline. They currently sit in 11th' in the Eastern Conference. It is now or never for this team to put results together or they will risk being broken up. They welcome a Dallas Mavericks team tonight that sits 8th in the Western Conference, with the Los Angeles Lakers hot on their heels after they beat the Charlotte Horn ets last night. You can check out all of our NBA picks for today’s games, but for now let's jump into my Mavericks vs Nets Same Game Parlay.
Over the last 10 games the Dallas Mavericks have been bottom of the NBA in defensive rating. Considering that they also rank 12th in pace of play during that time, it should be set up for a high scoring encounter tonight. Both teams will also be on the second night of a back-to-back. In these instances, it is the defensive effort that drops off first, which should help both put up points tonight. The sides also met earlier in the season, with the teams combining for 245 points. With Dereck Lively II out, the visitors lack rim protection. They are just 26th in the league in blocks per game. If the hosts con get on the inside, they should help drive the points total in this game up.
Kyrie Irving came back from injury last night to knock down 2 of his 3 shots from deep. It marked just the 3rd time over his last 10 appearances in which he did not knock down at least 3 3-pointers. Look for him to return to usual service. The Nets should be a favorable appointment, considering they are 24th in the league in opponent 3-point percentage and 19th in opponent 3-point makes per game. With the tempo the Mavericks are likely to set tonight, Irving should get plenty of opportunities to exploit this. On the season he attempts nearly 7 3-pointer per game on 41.5% shooting. If he gets anywhere close to that volume tonight, he should hit this. Especially considering he could be up against undersized defenders like Cam Thomas tonight, who could have issues contesting his shot.