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Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Dallas Mavericks host the Milwaukee Bucks Monday night at American Airlines Center, where No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg faces his toughest NBA test yet against league-leading scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dallas snapped a four-game skid with a win over Washington, while Milwaukee looks to rebound from a late collapse against Houston.
Line Movement and Odds
- Bucks Spread: -2.0 (-111)
- Mavericks Spread: +2.0 (-108)
- Bucks MoneyLine: -132
- Mavericks MoneyLine: +111
- Total: 231.5 (-110)
Milwaukee opened as a slight favorite and held that position despite playing the second leg of a back-to-back. The total has hovered near 231.5, with bettors weighing Dallas’ scoring struggles against Milwaukee’s pace and efficiency. See full NBA odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Dallas Mavericks Outlook
Dallas ranks last in the NBA in scoring (106.5 PPG) but boasts the league’s best three-point defense (10.6 allowed per game). Cooper Flagg continues to impress with 13.9 PPG and 96% FT shooting, while Naji Marshall’s 30-point outing against Washington showed depth. The Mavericks play fast (101.8 possessions/game, 4th) and allow just 113.3 PPG (8th), giving them a chance to grind out wins despite offensive limitations.
Milwaukee Bucks Outlook
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the NBA with 33.4 PPG and dropped 37 in Sunday’s loss to Houston. The Bucks rank 3rd in FG% (50.7%) and 5th in made threes (15.3/game), with an elite effective FG% of 59.3%. Ryan Rollins and Khris Middleton provide secondary scoring, and Milwaukee has won six straight against Dallas dating back to 2022.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Dallas must slow the Bucks’ transition game and force half-court sets. If Flagg and Marshall can generate offense while limiting Giannis’ downhill attacks, they’ll stay competitive. Milwaukee’s edge lies in scoring efficiency and perimeter shooting — if they control tempo, they’ll pull away late.
Injuries / Availability
Dallas remains without Kyrie Irving (ACL) and Dereck Lively II (knee). Klay Thompson is questionable with illness, while Anthony Davis (calf) is day-to-day and nearing a return. For full updates, check the Mavericks injury report.
Milwaukee will be without Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), who is expected to miss several weeks. No other major injuries reported. See the Bucks injury report for latest status.
Environment
The game tips off in Dallas, where the Mavericks begin a four-game homestand. Milwaukee is on the second night of a back-to-back and may face fatigue. Expect a physical game with contrasting styles — Dallas leaning on defense and pace, Milwaukee on scoring efficiency and star power.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Bucks 116, Mavericks 110
- Best Bet: Bucks -2.0
Milwaukee’s offensive efficiency and Giannis’ form give them the edge against a low-scoring Dallas team. - Total: Under 231.5
Dallas’ scoring limitations and defensive profile suggest a lower total than the market expects.
Milwaukee’s ability to close games and generate high-percentage looks should carry them past a scrappy Mavericks squad. The under is playable given Dallas’ pace-control and scoring floor.
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