The current discussion involving Spurs vs. Mavericks odds is simple in some ways but much more complicated in others. There’s definitely reason to think that San Antonio just won’t be able to keep up with Dallas in the first round of the NBA postseason, but one could also find some legitimate reasons to think that the Spurs will rebound and tie this series at one game apiece. Which NBA betting perspective will win out on Wednesday night? We’ll find out soon enough.
Western Conference First Round: San Antonio @ Dallas, Game 2
Wednesday, April 21
Bookmaker Odds: No line (as of yet)
When people talk about sports betting, they have to take a larger view. There are many considerations to mull over after Game 1 of this all-Texas tussle. The Mavs’ 100-94 win wasn’t quite as close as the score indicated, but it definitely wasn’t a blowout, either. Dallas should be happy with the victory, but San Antonio shouldn’t be devastated about its inability to pull out a win. A different narrative in Game 2 would radically reshape the nature of this best-of-seven battle.
Sunday’s series opener was noteworthy for a number of reasons. First and foremost, San Antonio – as is often the case – had no answer for Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Sometimes, the big German went over the top of defenders, especially the smaller Matt Bonner. On other occasions, Nowitzki used pump fakes to draw defenders in the air and dribble around them before releasing mid-range jumpers without any problems whatsoever. When Game 1 was all over, Nowitzki hit 12 of 14 shots from the field and all 12 of his deliveries from the free-throw line. A 36-point masterpiece – a supremely clinical and efficient outing – enabled Nowitzki to produce a victory and increase the confidence level in the Dallas locker room. This is a newly-reconstituted team that owner Mark Cuban is depending on to make a deep run in the postseason. Dallas has a lot of work to do, but a Game 1 victory over a tough opponent might enable this team to flourish as the playoffs continue.
One reason to bet on the Mavericks in Game 2 is that they won Game 1 without any appreciable production from a few reliable sources. Shawn Marion scored only nine points; he’s going to have to do much better as the playoffs roll along. More conspicuously, sixth-man stud Jason Terry went just 2 of 9 from the field and scored only five points for coach Rick Carlisle’s crew. If Terry plays a solid game on Wednesday, San Antonio will have just as many problems defending the Mavs as it did in Game 1. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will not have enough answers for Dallas if Terry delivers the goods.
On the other hand, the NBA playoff odds will shift if San Antonio can get some production from a few people. The biggest concern for the Spurs is guard George Hill, one of the most improved players in the league this season. Hill injured his ankle on Wednesday in the regular-season finale, and he looked ineffective in 18 minutes in Sunday’s Game 1. If he can work through that injury and regain the form he displayed for much of 2010, the Spurs will become a very dangerous team.
How will Jason Terry shoot? How healthy will George Hill’s ankle be? The odds here suggest that Terry is likely to play better, while Hill is more of a question mark. Give the edge to Dallas in Game 2.
Online basketball betting pick: Dallas
