The Milwaukee Bucks (33-25) and Dallas Mavericks (32-28) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Bucks are 3.5-point favorites over the Mavericks on the spread (Bucks -3.5), with the over/under set at 227.5 total points. Milwaukee is a -162 favorite to win outright, while Dallas is +136 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bucks vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, March 1.
Bucks vs. Mavericks Picks, Prediction
Over/Under
My Mavericks vs. Bucks best bet is on the Over at 227.5 total points, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Spread
I will not be betting either side of the spread in tonight's matchup.
Moneyline
I'm also staying away from the moneyline market.
My Pick: Over 227.5
Bucks vs. Mavericks Odds
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 227.5 -115 / -105 | -162 |
| Mavericks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 227.5 -115 / -105 | +136 |
- Bucks vs. Mavericks spread: Bucks -3.5
- Bucks vs. Mavericks over/under: 227.5 total points
- Bucks vs. Mavericks moneyline: Bucks -162, Mavericks +136
- Bucks vs. Mavericks best bet: Over 227.5 (-115)
Bucks vs. Mavericks Preview
Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics met in Boston and the Cavaliers rallied from 22 down for a 123-116 victory. While the Cavaliers and Celtics appear to have emerged as the class of the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks are another team to keep an eye on as we get closer to April.
The Bucks enter this contest having won seven of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 121-112 victory over the Nuggets, who bounced back by ending the Pistons' winning streak last night. Most importantly, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be fully back from his calf injury.
The two-time MVP is averaging 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. After being on a minutes restriction coming out of the All-Star break, Antetokounmpo has played at least 32 minutes in each of the last three games. He is probable for tonight's game.
Missing from Milwaukee's frontcourt is Bobby Portis, who remains out while serving a 25-game suspension. However, Kyle Kuzma, acquired in the Khris Middleton trade, and Brook Lopez both stepped up. They have each scored in double figures in nine of their last 10 games.
However, the matchup of the night comes at the point guard position with Damian Lillard against Kyrie Irving. Lillard has won eight of the 12 career meetings between the two. He has averaged 28.6 points and 7.5 assists while Irving has averaged 27 points and five assists in the 12 games.
Ramadan is also underway for Irving, who will be fasting this month. Last year, he averaged 26.3 points, five rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 50.9% from the field in 15 games played during Ramadan.
Milwaukee is allowing 26.5 points per game to point guards, the most in the league. Dallas will need a big performance from Irving tonight with PJ Washington possibly out again. He did not score on Tuesday against the Lakers and did not play against Charlotte on Thursday.
Klay Thompson has stepped up with 40 points in the last two games. He might be able to find some room behind the arc as the Bucks are 20th in 3-pointers allowed per game.
Bucks vs. Mavericks Prediction
While these teams certainly have changed over the last few years, three of the last four meetings have gone Over have had at least 239 points and tonight we will need 228 tonight. Both teams enter tonight's matchup ranking in the top half of the league in both offensive rating and pace. Additionally, what has not changed from this series is Giannis Antetokounmpo being a dominant force.
With the Mavericks missing their top three centers (and possibly Washington), Antetokounmpo is in for a big game tonight.
Meanwhile, Irving and Thompson should be able to take advantage of Milwaukee's perimeter. With both teams having offensive advantages, we should get over 228 points tonight, which will also help tonight's parlay.
Antetokounmpo has recorded 40 points + rebounds in 24 of his last 30 games when playing 30 minutes or more. Dallas is 24th in points in the paint allowed and 23rd in rebounds allowed. Another beneficiary will be Kuzma, who scored 20 points against Dallas in five consecutive games while with Washington. We'll take 12 from him tonight, which he has reached in nine of his 10 last games.
Irving has scored 25 points in five of his last six games, the lone exception being a blowout against the Warriors. He also has scored 25 points in four of his last five games against Milwaukee, including 39 last season.
Meanwhile, Thompson has made three triples in eight of his last nine games. He has made 22 3s in his last five games against Milwaukee and should be the second option tonight.
Best Bet: Over 227.5 (-115)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Kyrie Irving 25+ Points
- Klay Thompson 3+ Three Pointers Made
- Giannis Antetokounmpo 40+ Points + Rebounds
- Kyle Kuzma 12+ Points
Parlay Payout: +315
Mavericks vs. Bucks Betting Trends
