The Milwaukee Bucks (35-25) and Dallas Mavericks (32-30) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Bucks are 11-point favorites over the Mavericks on the spread (Bucks -11), with the over/under set at 225.5 total points. Milwaukee is a -535 favorite to win outright, while Dallas is +400 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Mavericks vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, March 5.
Mavericks vs Bucks Prediction
Spread
The Bucks have had the Mavericks' number lately, winning five straight games in the series and seven of the previous ten. Milwaukee cruised to a 132-117 victory last Saturday when the two teams met, and with Dallas decimated by injuries, another double-digit loss could be in the cards.
Moneyline
I see no value in backing the Bucks on the moneyline considering their odds are as high as -500.
Over/Under
Given their lengthy injury report, the total in Mavericks' games might need some recalibration. As a result, I would look to see how things play out over their next few games before I consider taking any positions.
My Pick: Bucks -11
Mavericks vs Bucks Odds, Lines, Picks
| Mavericks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11 -110 | 225.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11 -110 | 225.5 -110o / -110u | -535 |
- Mavericks vs. Bucks spread: Bucks -11
- Mavericks vs. Bucks over/under: 225.5 total points
- Mavericks vs. Bucks moneyline: Mavericks +400, Bucks -535
- Mavericks vs. Bucks best bet: Bucks -11 (-110)
My Bucks vs. Mavericks best bet is on Milwaukee to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. As always, be sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks NBA Preview
Things have gone from bad to worse for Mavericks fans since the organization traded away its best player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
The Mavericks are only one year removed from Doncic leading them to the NBA Finals as the fifth seed.
In an appearance on ESPN's 'Get Up' on Monday, NBA analyst Charles Barkley felt the trade immediately improved Dallas because Davis is also a talented player who could work well in a pick-and-roll with Kyrie Irving.
However, Davis would have to be on the court for that to happen. The Kentucky product couldn't even make it through his first game with the Mavericks, as a non-contact injury forced an early exit in the third quarter.
Although Davis would later say he was 'fine' and that the injury was 'nothing serious', the Mavericks described it as an adductor strain which realistically can take anywhere from two weeks to four months to recover from.
The following month, Irving would suffer a much more serious injury, with a torn ACL in his left knee while driving to the basket.
With Irving set to miss the rest of the season, the Mavericks could also take a similar approach with Davis.
To make matters worse, Dallas is also without PJ Washington (14.0 PPG), Daniel Gafford (12.3 PPG), Dante Exum (9.2 PPG), Dereck Lively II (9.1 PPG) and Caleb Martin (9.1 PPG).
The Mavericks have lost their last two games by an average of 19.5 points, and it wouldn't surprise me if they suffered another lopsided defeat on Wednesday night.
Mavericks vs Bucks Best Bets
For my same-game parlay, I'll target the Bucks to cover the first half spread of -6 (-110) at bet365. There's a good chance that Milwaukee overwhelms Dallas in the early frames with the quality of its starters.
It's worth noting that Dallas has failed to cover the first-half spread in five straight games heading into tonight.
For my second leg, I'll look to fade Spencer Dinwiddie's rebounding prop of 3.5 (-135). Despite having decent size at 6-foot-5, the Mavericks point guard only averages 2.3 rebounds.
He has failed to clear this line in six straight games and his last four meetings against the Bucks.
His under of 3.5 rebounds is cashing at an alarming rate of 82% this season and it makes sense to take advantage of this spot if sportsbooks will continue to hang this number up.
Combining both legs in our parlay would give us a 2-to-1 return on our investment.
Bucks vs. Mavericks Best Bet
- Bucks -11 (-110)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Bucks First Half Spread -6
- Spencer Dinwiddie Under 3.5 Rebounds
Parlay Payout: +224
Bucks vs. Mavericks Betting Trends
