The Mavericks (14-24, 12th in West) take on the Bulls (17-20, 10th in East) tonight at the United Center. Both teams are struggling, especially with some of their best players injured. Still, these two clubs remain in contention for a play-in spot. Dallas is still appointment viewing due to rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. On the flip side, Chicago wields one of the NBA’s fastest-paced offenses.
Who will come out on top in this inter-conference showdown? Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Saturday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls matchup.
The Bulls are 2.5-point favorites (-110) over the Mavericks on DraftKings Sportsbook. Chicago is favored at -142 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 233.5 points.
Mavericks vs. Bulls prediction, preview
What a strange, disappointing season it’s been for the Mavs. After a horrendous first month, Dallas began showing some signs of life in recent weeks. Unfortunately, an injury to Anthony Davis () has cast doubts over the team’s prospects going forward. If there’s any reason for hope, it’s the improved play of Flagg. Since December 1st, the wing is averaging 22.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
In Davis’ absence, backup Daniel Gafford will fill in down low. Replicating AD’s 20-10 stat line will be difficult for the veteran. With that being said, the defensive specialist should come in handy tonight. Much of Chicago’s offense goes through sharpshooting center Nikola Vucevic. Having a capable center to slow the former All-Star down is crucial for the Mavericks. Keeping the Bulls off the boards is another key element in tonight’s matchup. Dallas has coughed up the third-most rebounds per game (57.1) to opponents this season.
It’s not as if the Bulls are at 100% right now, either. Josh Giddey (hamstring), the team’s leading scorer, is sidelined. As a result, backup Tre Jones has taken on a starting role. At the moment, this offense revolves around Vucevic and guard Coby White (18.4 PPG). Second-year pro Matas Buzelis has also impressed in recent weeks. Over his last five games, all without Giddey, the 21-year-old is averaging 20.6 points on 49% shooting.
The issue for Chicago isn’t scoring buckets, it’s preventing them. The Bulls are coughing up 121.2 points per game, fifth-worst in basketball. They’ve been especially susceptible to giving up points in the paint. However, the Mavericks might not be equipped to take advantage without Davis on the court. Chicago does roster capable defenders on the wings, such as Isaac Okoro and Patrick Williams. The duo could give the inexperienced Flagg some trouble tonight.
Mavericks vs. Bulls pick, best bet
These are two of the NBA’s biggest enigmas, capable of looking like completely different teams on any given night. Therefore, the location of tonight’s game might prove to be a factor. Chicago has gone a respectable 10-9 when playing at the United Center. In comparison, Dallas is a pathetic 4-13 away from home. Most of those losses came with Davis healthy. Without their best player, it’s hard to imagine the Mavericks securing an upset on the road.
