Western Conference foes are set to clash tonight in Dallas. The Mavericks (15-25), now without Anthony Davis, will need to lean on Cooper Flagg going forward. The rookie will hope to earn a win tonight against a stellar 27-15 Nuggets squad. However, Denver is without several key contributors, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Who should bettors be targeting ahead of tonight’s matchup? The Mavericks are favored by 2.5 points (-110) over the Nuggets, with the over/under set at 223.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s Denver vs. Dallas matchup.
Nuggets vs. Mavericks prop bet picks
Tim Hardaway Jr. 15+ points (-109)
Without Nikola Jokic, Denver is in a state of flux. Fortunately for the Nuggets, their front office did a stellar job of adding depth this offseason. That included a surprisingly cheap one-year deal for Tim Hardaway Jr. The former Pistons sharpshooter has given the team a major boost off of the bench. Through 39 games this season, he’s averaging 13.9 points while shooting 46% from the field. In addition, he’s knocking down over 41% of his three-point attempts.
Given the depleted state of the Nuggets, there are touches up for grabs on offense. Hardaway Jr. has seen his usage rate increase in the eight games following Nikola Jokic’s injury. During that time, he’s also put up 16.6 points per game on 46% shooting (42% 3PT). THJ has notched at least 15 points in five of those eight appearances, as well. When these two teams last met on December 23rd, the veteran tallied 23 points on eight-of-13 shooting. That bodes well for his chances at a repeat performance tonight.
Cooper Flagg 7+ rebounds (+108)
Denver isn’t the only club missing an All-Star center. Anthony Davis has injured his hand, forcing him out of action for at least six weeks. That leaves Cooper Flagg as the clear-cut top option on offense for Dallas. In theory, that should lead to more scoring for the rookie phenom. However, dominating as ‘the guy’ is easier said than done for a 19-year-old. Over his last ten games, the youngster is putting up 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
The Nuggets have been one of the association’s better rebounding teams for most of the season. However, it’s difficult to view them in the same light without Jokic or backup Jonas Valanciunas (calf). Denver has surrendered 53.0 rebounds to opponents over its last three games. That’s the 12th-worst mark in basketball during that time. Flagg has secured at least seven boards in 20 of his 39 outings this season. Even if he struggles to score, the wing should make his presence felt on Wednesday.
