Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers December 17 Betting Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers (19-11) took down the Indiana Pacers last night as they maintain their slim lead for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks (15-14) are coming off a huge win over the Portland Trail Blazers, as they remain in the mix for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

Donovan Mitchell went off for 41 points, as he knocked down eight threes in the process. Only LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have more 40-point games than Mitchell. Not a bad company to be a part of.

Darius Garland contributed 20 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Evan Mobley provided 16 points and nine rebounds.

Cedi Osman and Caris LeVert came off the bench to score 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The Cavs left an impression on Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle.

“Donovan has simply elevated their entire situation here,” Carlisle said. “With him, Garland is not asked to put up huge numbers every single night, even though he can. They’ve got so many good young players, and (Kevin) Love is still capable of hitting six three-pointers in a row off the bench.” 

Indeed, the Cavs are incredibly deep, but they’re going to need to keep their foot on the gas pedal and get everyone from top to bottom acclimated into their roles, or else there are several dangerous teams at the top of the East that could easily finish above them.

Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview

The Mavs are coming off a huge win over the Portland Trail Blazers, as Luka Doncic led the way with 33 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.

Christian Wood added 32 points and 12 rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in 17 and 13 points, respectively.

The Mavs have been an on-and-off team this season, oftentimes not appearing to be the same solid defensive group we saw from them last season and lacking in solid scoring options next to Doncic.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd prides himself on being a defensive-minded coach, but with a couple of new pieces in place, he may need a little bit more time to inspire the same teachings that got this team all the way to the Western Conference Finals just last season.

Odds

The Cavs are favored by a -4 spread, as they’ll be home in their rematch against the Mavs.

The Cavs won their last matchup against the Mavs in Dallas, as Donovan Mitchell went off for 34 points to lead the way.

With the Cavs being home and both teams being on the second half of back-to-back games, expect the Cavs to take full advantage of being home in front of their home fans and covering the spread to finish the season-series sweep over the Mavs.