Mavericks vs Knicks NBA | Kristaps Porzingis Out

The first game of an ESPN national TV NBA doubleheader on Wednesday features Mavericks star Luka Doncic making his lone trip of the season to the “world’s most famous arena” to take on the Knicks. Dallas opened as a short favorite on the NBA odds despite being without former Knicks All-Star Kristaps Porzingis.

How to Bet Dallas at New York NBA Odds & TV Info

When: Tuesday, 7:30 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN app
Radio: Tunein.com
NBA Odds: Mavericks -2.5

Series History

This is the first meeting between the teams this year. The road team has won seven of the last eight meetings. The Knicks have taken 3-of-4, 4-of-6, and six of the last 10 matchups overall. The clubs split the 2020-21 season series, 1-1. With Jamahl Mosley serving as the acting head coach, the Mavericks recorded a 99-86 win at Madison Square Garden. The Mavericks have now won 14 of the last 19 matchups at MSG (after the Knicks won 10 straight in New York from 1992 to 2002).

Why Bet on Dallas?

The Mavericks won their sixth straight game Sunday, a 113-99 upset of Chicago. The Bulls entered averaging 111.3 points per game, eighth best in the league, and were held to double figures for the first time since Dec. 11. Dallas has averaged winning by 15.7 points during its streak and has held opponents to 93.0 points.

Luka Doncic scored 22 points and added 14 assists and 14 rebounds. Doncic recorded the 39th triple-double of his career, which is the most triple-doubles ever for a player before turning 23. He is also the first player in the NBA this season to score at least 22 points with at least 14 rebounds and at least 14 assists.

Maxi Kleber scored a season-high 18 points; Kleber shot 6-of-11 from the floor and 6-of-9 from three and six made triples tied a career high. He’s getting more shots with Kristaps Porzingis (protocols) on the sidelines and Porzingis won’t play in this one, either. KP is the only Mav still in protocols. Kleber has averaged 9.4 points, seven rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 2.6 3-pointers in 29 minutes over the past five games without Porzingis in the lineup.

Dallas is averaging 109.8 points (.485 FG) and 28.3 assists over its last eight games. Even more impressively, the Mavericks have held their opponents to 96.3 points (.432 FG, .299 3FG) in that span, including 93.3 points over their last seven games. Victories in that span included wins over the Warriors (29-7), who entered with the best record in the NBA, and the aforementioned Bulls (26-10), who entered with the best record in the East.

The Mavericks have led by double digits in each of their last 11 games, their longest streak since their championship season in 2010-11.

Doncic is averaging 25.5 points (.463 FG%), 9.5 rebounds and 9.7 assists in six career games against the Knicks and became the youngest player in NBA history (20 years, 259 days) to record a 30-point triple-double at Madison Square Garden (11/14/19). Six current Mavericks have previously played for the Knicks: Reggie Bullock, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Frank Ntilikina, Theo Pinson and Porzingis.

Why Bet on New York?

The Knicks won for the third time in four games Monday, 111-96 over San Antonio. RJ Barrett had five straight points to open the final period, which started with the Knicks ahead just 82-75. By the time the Knicks hit three consecutive 3-pointers to end their spurt, it was 100-77. The Spurs were down six players in protocols.

Barrett hit 12-of-20 shots and finished with 31 points after totaling just 32 in his previous two games. It was his fifth career 30-point game. Through five games in January, Barrett has averaged 22.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 45.6% from the field and 48% from three.

All-Star Julius Randle hit just 1-of-7 shots for two points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block in 34 minutes. He’s just 15-for-46 in the past three games.

Mitchell Robinson hit 4-of-4 shots and 5-of-9 free throws for 13 points and 11 boards. It was Robinson’s first double-double since Dec. 28 and his seventh of the season. However, he has hit just 9-of-23 free throws over his last nine games.

Kemba Walker missed his sixth straight game with a sore left knee and Nerlens Noel missed his 10th in a row as he regains his conditioning after being in health and safety protocols. Coach Tom Thibodeau said both are close to returning but they are listed as questionable. The Knicks have sent Miles McBride back down to the G-League, which may mean they believe that Kemba is on the verge of returning.

The Knicks are 20-21, same record they had after 41 games last season. The trade for Derrick Rose was a driving force behind their success in 2020-21. Can the Knicks make an impactful deal this year? They are among teams who’ve had interest in Atlanta’s Cam Reddish.

Game Trends

Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games.
Mavericks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Mavericks are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games.
Knicks are 7-17 ATS in their last 24 games playing on 1 days rest.
Knicks are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS win.
Knicks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win.
Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in New York.