Dallas Mavericks versus Washington Wizards Prediction, Odds

OKBET predicted the Wednesday match between the Dallas Mavericks and the Washington Wizards to favor the former, having odds of 1.35-3.22.

The Mavericks (5th in the NBA Western Conference) will host the Wizards (12th in the East). Their match will begin at 8:30 pm EST inside the American Airlines Center.

Luka Dončić and his team are looking to even the score with the Bradley Beal-led Wizards after they were defeated the first time 113-105.  

Dallas is -7 handicapped, while the Wizards (12th in the East) is +7 on 1.94 odds apiece. But the odds may change, given that the Mavericks lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 98-112.

Meanwhile, the Wizards are coming off a win against the Orlando Magic, beating them with a wide margin of 138-118.

But Can the Wizards Pull Off an Upset?

The chances are—low. They will play without Kristaps Porzingis, who suffered an ankle injury during their match against the Magics.

The Latvian giant averages 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks when healthy. Since he is injured, the scoring will heavily rely on Beal and Kyle Kuzma, who produces 22.5 and 21.8 points per night.

Moreover, the tragic injury of Porzingis is in time before the trade deadline this February 9. The 27-year-old center is also in his final year with the Wizards. Bullets Forever assumed that the organization would not risk rushing him to play against the Mavericks so as not to compromise his trade value.

Meanwhile, the Mavs will go into the match without center/power forward Christian Woods, who is out with a knee injury. Maxi Kleber will also miss the game due to a hamstring injury.

Aside from the absence of Porzingis, the Washington Wizards will also be going up against the Dallas Mavericks without Rui Hachimura, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.

Hachimura, 24, was a solid power forward for the Wizards, averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.4 blocks. He can also shoot from anywhere on the field, having 49% total field goals and 34% in threes.

With the power forward now a Lakers, their bench will not be as efficient. Beal and Kuzma are predicted to be playing heavy minutes just to keep up with the Mavericks.

On the other hand, although the Mavs are without Kleber and Wood, their bench can cover the slack, with Davis Bertans and JaVale McGee as backups.

Comparison

The Wizards, allow opponents 113.3 points per game and are 15th overall. Regarding their scoring, they are 23rd out of 30, having an average of 112.5.

Unlike the Mavericks, their opponents only score an average of 112.2 (9th). Their points per game are also slightly better than the Wizards, with 112.6 points (21st).

However, when it comes to offensive rating, Dallas has the advantage. They have a rating of 115.8 and are currently the 6th best offensive team this season.

Meanwhile, the Wizards are among the bottom ten teams with the worst offensive rating. They are currently ranked 21st, with a 113.2 rating. 

Although they lack the offense, they make up for defense. Currently, the Washington Wizards are sitting at the 15th spot regarding defensive ratings, having 114. Dallas, on the other hand, is in the 24th spot with 115.4.

Conclusion, Odds

The prediction at OKBET may change as the game progresses, but so far, Dallas is the clear favorite, according to this table:

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