NBA Betting: Top Picks for Mavs vs. Blazers - Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Derrick Jones Jr.
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Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are home to host Jerami Grant and the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
The Mavs are coming off a disappointing 127-90 blowout loss against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Kyrie Irving returned after a 12-game absence, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists on 6-of-14 shooting in 32 minutes.
"I mean, great,” Doncic said when asked about getting Irving back. “Obviously, we wanted to win, but the first game back is always tough. I think everybody relaxed a little bit because we had Kai on the court. I'm very happy, and everybody's happy that he's back. Now we got a big home stretch, so hopefully, everybody's ready."
The Trail Blazers fell to the streaking Phoenix Suns on Monday night, 109-88. No. 2 overall pick Scoot Henderson started his third straight game, finishing with 17 points, three rebounds, and six assists in the loss.
Notable Injuries
Mavericks: Dante Exum (right heel contusion) is doubtful. Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation) is out.
Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons (illness), Toumani Camara (right knee soreness), and Duop Reath (low back strain) are questionable. Deandre Ayton (right knee tendinitis) is out.
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Check out the the betting lines and player props below, courtesy of SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point Spread: Trail Blazers (+11.5) / Mavericks (-11.5)
Money Line: Trail Blazers +450) / Mavericks (-699)
Over/Under: 237.5
Player Props / Our Picks
Luka Doncic O/U 32.5 Points: Over
After the historic tear that Doncic was on over the last month, he fell back down to earth in Monday's loss to Utah, finishing with just 19 points, his lowest scoring total since Nov. 14. Look for Doncic to get back to regular scheduled programming on Wednesday.
Dereck Lively II O/U 9.5 Points: Over
On the season, Lively is averaging 9.0 points per game. In the Dec. 8 matchup against Portland, Lively finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks on 5-of-6 shooting with Ayton missing the game. With Ayton out again on Wednesday, take the over.
Derrick Jones Jr. O/U 1.5 Steals + Blocks: Over
Over the last four games, Jones is averaging 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, with at least one steal and one block in each contest. Look for DJJ to continue making plays on the defensive end.
Prediction: After an ugly loss against the Jazz on Monday, this game against Portland comes at the perfect time as the Mavs begin a 7-game homestand. Take Dallas -11.5.
