Mavericks vs. Bucks prediction, odds, how to watch

The Dallas Mavericks were hoping superstar Luka Doncic could return from his ankle injury on Thursday night, but he was placed in the health and safety protocols on Dec. 22.

The Mavs host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and both teams will be shorthanded. They have a combined 14 players ruled out with COVID issues wreaking havoc on both teams.

Fans will not want to miss Thursday’s game, so here is a look at the odds, how to watch, and more.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks: How to watch

Start time: 7:30 p.m. CT or 8:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: NBA TV (national) Bally Sports Southwest- Dallas (Mavs local market), Bally Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee local market)

Watch online: Bally Sports website (both local markets)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Injury report

The Mavs have nine players ruled out on the NBA’s official injury report. Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Reggie Bullock, Trey Burke, Josh Green, and JaQuori McLaughlin are all in the health and safety protocols. Dallas also ruled out Eugene Omoruyi (foot) and Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) for Thursday’s game. Kristaps Porzingis remains questionable with a toe injury.

The Bucks are on the second night of a back-to-back set, so things could change as tipoff approaches. Milwaukee ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donte DiVincenzo, and Bobby Portis in the health and safety protocols. Brook Lopez (back) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness) are also out.

Things could change fast for both teams, so be sure to check social media just before tipoff for the latest.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the shorthanded Mavs are 3.5-point underdogs heading into Thursday’s game. They are plus-140 on the moneyline and the contest’s over/under sits at 209.0.

The Mavs over/under is 103.0, which they have topped in five straight games.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks predictions

The Bucks still have Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, so expect them to come to Dallas and take care of the shorthanded Mavericks. It is likely to be a low-scoring contest that ends in a double-digit margin.

Jalen Brunson scores 25 for the Mavericks, but it is not enough as they go under 103 points.

Who steps up for the undermanned Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 23? Can they win another game without Luka Doncic? Tune in to find out.