Mavericks vs. Nuggets odds, how to watch, predictions

The Dallas Mavericks face the Denver Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back set on Jan. 3. Superstar Luka Doncic was one of three Mavs that returned from the health and safety protocols on Sunday night as Dallas defeated the Thunder in Oklahoma City. The Mavericks will look to make it a winning streak as they host the Nuggets.

Just when Dallas thought they were escaping the COVID protocols, Kristaps Porzingis entered on Monday afternoon. The Unicorn will not play against the Nuggets and will miss multiple games as he recovers.

The Nuggets are having some COVID issues of their own, but fans will not want to miss a showdown between reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. Here is a look at the odds, how to watch, and more on the Jan. 3 contest at the American Airlines Center.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets: How to watch

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

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest- Dallas (Mavericks local market), Altitude (Denver local market)

Watch online: NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets: Injury report

The Mavs ruled out Kristaps Porzingis, Boban Marjanovic, Trey Burke, JaQuori McLaughlin, and Isaiah Thomas in the health and safety protocols. Willie Cauley-Stein also remains out as he deals with a personal issue.

Jeff Green, Monte Morris, and Zeke Nnaji are sidelined for Denver in the protocols. The Nuggets also ruled out P.J. Dozier (knee), Jamal Murray (knee), Markus Howard (knee), and Michael Porter Jr. (back) for Monday’s game. Bones Hyland is questionable as he attempts to return from the protocols, and Austin Rivers (thumb) and Vlatko Cancar (nose) are probable to face the Mavericks.

Things can change quickly on the injury front, so be sure to check social media just before tipoff for all the latest.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the Mavericks are 3.0-point favorites over the Nuggets. They are minus-150 on the moneyline, and the contest has an over/under of 213.0.

The Mavericks over/under is 107.5, which they have topped in five of their last ten games.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets predictions

It will be a tall task for the Mavericks to defeat the Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back in a contest that could be massive in the Western Conference standings. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is playing some of the best basketball of his career at the moment, and he drops 35 on the Mavericks on Monday night.

Luka Doncic answers with a 20-point double-double as the Mavericks squeak out a home victory in a low-scoring contest. The game goes under 213, and the Nuggets cover the spread as Dallas wins by one.

Jalen Brunson continues to start and drops 20 points of his own, including the final bucket of the night that propels the Mavs to victory.

Fans will not want to miss Monday’s game, and it starts a week of exciting basketball for the Dallas Mavericks that features Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement. Be sure to tune in and enjoy.