Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto Raptors Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Dallas Mavericks have lost two straight games, despite a Luka Doncic triple-double in their last match.
• The Toronto Raptors have found some rhythm after winning their last two matches!
• In 47 all-time meetings, the Mavericks lead the Raptors 26-21.

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Mavericks vs Raptors Predictions and Picks

The Dallas Mavericks have been struggling in their last two to contrast Toronto’s successes. Toronto’s perimeter defense has been much improved as of late, likely to cause Dallas issues due to their lack of playmakers.

Picks:

Toronto Raptors to Win (-167)

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How to Watch Mavericks vs Raptors

Head-to-Head: Mavericks vs Raptors

Luka Must Initiate the Offence

How can Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ assist leader, do more to initiate the offense despite already averaging 8.8 assists per game? That’s up to the Mavericks to solve, but it was Doncic himself who said that his selfishness led to the team’s downfall against the Bulls.

Doncic contributed 15 assists in the Mavericks’ 117-101 loss to the Chicago Bulls. While his 30 point, 16 rebound, and 15 assist triple-double were impressive it wasn’t enough to spur them to victory. Doncic blamed himself, as he accounted for 15 of the team’s 18 dimes.

While Doncic will be key in sparking the Mavericks’ offense, especially against a disciplined Raptors side, head coach Rick Carlisle will surely expect more from Trey Burke and rookie Tyrell Terry in the playmaking department.

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Toronto Needs to Start Fast and Not Let Up

The Toronto Raptors got off to a difficult start to open the season. After losing eight of their first ten, head coach Nick Nurse transitioned to a more up-tempo style to make up for their early scoring issues.

The Raptors rank first in the NBA in fast-break points, 18.2 per game. With an athletic frontcourt, the Raptors have some of the best places in the league, regardless of position.

With the Mavericks’ size advantage, you can expect the Raptors to double-down on their fast-break game plan. First, they’ll have to sort out their issues on the glass, but in terms of speed, the Mavericks are no match.

Mavericks Key Player: (F) Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis with the poster ??

(via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/W9TgDmPEBx

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 17, 2021

The Dallas Mavericks finally got Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup, but his contributions against the Bulls were inconsistent to say the least.

Porzingis scored 20 points, collected eight rebounds, and had two blocks in the Mavericks’ loss. He was outplayed by Markkanen and struggled to defend as he committed five fouls. Most alarmingly, Porzingis was 0-7 from three.

The Latvian star will have another difficult night ahead as he will face athletic big men Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher when he takes on the Raptors. Finding his range will be crucial, as the switch-happy Raptors give up a lot of three-point attempts per game.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Norman Powell

Norman Powell dropped a season-high 24 PTS and knocked down 6 3PT in the @Raptors home victory over Charlotte! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/RoEJi1Vghq

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) January 17, 2021

It seems just like yesterday that Powell was an up-and-coming young talent in the NBA, but he is now a veteran crucial to the Raptors’ success. While Powell has struggled in Toronto’s first 12 games, there’s a clear correlation between his performance and the Raptors’ success.

In the Raptors’ eight losses, Powell is averaging 8.3 points on 28.6% shooting from the field. In victories, Powell contributes 18.5 points on 52.2% shooting from the field.

As the Raptors’ most capable scorer off the bench, Powell needs to be engaged for the Raptors to come away with a victory. Powell will be the difference in ensuring the Raptors don’t fall behind when the starters take a break.