The Dallas Mavericks (27-41) welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-52) to American Airlines Center. The Mavericks are 6.5-point favorites and look to put an end to their seven-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 215.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Dallas Mavericks Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last game. The Cavaliers (8.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 120-91, while the Mavericks (11-point underdogs) fell to the Denver Nuggets, 100-99. The Cleveland game went 1.5 points under the projected point total of 212.5, while the Dallas game went 22.5 points under the projected point total of 221.5.
Cleveland did a great job of making free throws (14-15; 93.3 percent) while Dallas had a turnover percentage of 7.8 (better than their season average of 12.9). Dallas rallied around Luka Doncic, who finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Collin Sexton, meanwhile had a good outing for Cleveland, contributing 23 points.
In their first matchup this year, Doncic led the Mavericks to a 111-98 win. He recorded a double-double with 35 points and 11 rebounds. The two teams combined to score 209 points, which was just under the projected point total of 210.5, and Dallas covered as a 5.5-point favorite. Dallas was lights out from beyond the arc (16-39; 41.0 percent). Cleveland, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (5.7 vs. 12.3).
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Cavaliers games, with 36 overs compared to 32 unders. Cleveland heads into the contest with records of 17-52 straight up (SU) and 32-36-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Mavericks’ 68 games, 38 have finished under the projected point total. Although Dallas has a difficult time winning games outright (27-41 SU), they have a respectable record ATS (39-29).
The Cavaliers’ Sexton has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 22 points,3.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, Doncic has averaged 20 points,9.2 rebounds,5.8 assists,1.6 steals,1.2 blocks during that same time frame for the Mavericks.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the league’s slowest-paced teams square off. Dallas ranks 21st in possessions per game (101.4) and Cleveland is 29th (98.6).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Mavericks, ATS Winner – Mavericks, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Mavericks are 25th in the NBA with 44.4 points in the paint per game while the Cavaliers are 26th with 43.4 points in the paint per game.
- Cleveland ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Dallas ranks 24th (8.3).
- The Mavericks rank 18th in rebounds per game (45.0) while the Cavaliers rank 25th (42.7).
- Dallas ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.3) while Cleveland ranks last (2.5).
- Dallas ranks 25th in assists per game (22.7) while Cleveland ranks 28th (20.9).
- The Mavericks rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (35.9) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd (29.0).
- The Mavericks rank 27th in points off turnovers per game (15.0) while the Cavaliers rank last (14.1).
- Cleveland ranks 11th in fast break points allowed per game (13.4) while Dallas ranks 26th (16.1).
- Dallas is 10-4 when they allow less than 100 points, while Cleveland is 6-3.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Mavericks are 26-31 and the Cavaliers are 15-25.
- Cleveland is 16-17-1 ATS on the road, while Dallas is 22-12 ATS at home.
- The Cavaliers have 18 unders, 15 overs and 1 push in 34 road games.
- The Mavericks have 21 unders and 13 overs in 34 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Cleveland and Dallas are both 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 106.6 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.2 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
- The Mavericks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 1.8 for the season.
