The Phoenix Suns’ blockbuster commerce for Kevin Durant overshadowed the opposite mega-deal earlier than the traded deadline, when the Dallas Mavericks added Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks had been imagined to a minimum of be harmful with Irving enjoying alongside Luka Doncic. They have been a disappointment as an alternative.
The Mavericks have misplaced 5 of six. Dallas is 1-5 in opposition to the unfold in that stretch too. They’re presently the No. 7 seed, in peril of being within the play-in event. That’s not the return they wished.
The Mavericks are 3.5-point favorites at BetMGM for Thursday’s recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers performed in Miami on Wednesday night time. It’s a great spot for the Mavericks, and so they want it.
There have been some shut losses for Dallas on this chilly stretch. Three losses got here by three factors or much less. A bunch of shut losses in a row is mostly some dangerous luck. But it is also a Mavs workforce that is not enjoying as much as expectations.
The Mavericks, unsurprisingly, have been actually good on offense and dangerous on protection with Irving within the lineup. That can be a part of their profile, identical to it was for the Brooklyn Nets with Irving.
There is time for Dallas to get issues going. Irving has performed simply seven video games together with his new workforce, and the Mavs have greater than a month to determine issues out earlier than the playoffs begin. But up to now, it isn’t understanding as Dallas hoped.
Here’s a primary take a look at the remainder of the sports activities betting slate for Thursday:
A light-weight NBA slate
There are solely 4 NBA video games on Thursday night time. The finest one, apart from maybe 76ers-Mavericks, is the Golden State Warriors in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are 3.5-point street favorites in opposition to the Warriors, who’re nonetheless with out injured Steph Curry.
An enormous spot for Purdue
There are 4 video games involving prime 25 groups in faculty basketball, and the largest is Purdue at Wisconsin. Purdue regarded like a lock as a No. 1 seed, however then misplaced 4 of six. The Boilermakers are nonetheless a No. 1 seed in most mock brackets, however a loss at Wisconsin on Thursday might change that. Purdue is a 4.5-point favourite. Wisconsin is a bubble workforce this season and traditionally good at residence, however it’s an pressing spot for Purdue.
Big NHL night time
There are 10 NHL video games on Thursday. The finest recreation of the night time may very well be the Toronto Maple Leafs on the Calgary Flames. The Leafs are slight -115 favorites on the street.
What’s the very best wager?
Let’s go to the Pac-12 for Arizona-USC. USC is a 2.5-point residence favourite and I’ll take the Trojans getting factors. Arizona is excellent however has taken two dangerous losses in opposition to Stanford and Arizona State of their final 4 video games and USC hasn’t misplaced at residence since a bizarre loss to Florida Gulf Coast all the way in which again within the season opener on Nov. 7. USC must be a stable residence canine.
