Jan. 6. 2020.
at 12:30 PM

Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks

@oddsculture

Jan. 6. 7:00 pm

EDT

Chicago Bulls

217

Dallas Mavericks

-9.5

Odds available at Westgate Superbook
on Jan. 6. 2020.
at 12:30 pm
(pst).

Tonight the Dallas Mavericks (-9.5, 217) host the Chicago Bulls. For today’s free pick, I’m looking at the Dallas Mavericks team total. Dallas is averaging 116.6 points per game. Since Luka has returned from his ankle injury, Mavs team totals have been turbulent with high and low scoring performances. When you break down each performance, the Mavs struggle to score against elite teams like the Lakers. However, against inferior teams, like Chicago, they have faired well most of the season.

Free Prop Pick

Kristaps Porzingis missing tonight’s game doesn’t concern me. I expect players like Seth Curry and Maxi Kleber to have solid offensive performances. I prefer Tim Hardaway Jr. to play, but he is currently a game-time decision for Dallas.

Chicago doesn’t have a terrible defense, but they sit in the middle of the pack. The biggest concern I have backing the Mavs total in this spot is that the Bulls have excellent perimeter defense–33.5% DFG%. Also, it’s not entirely clear who will be playing tonight for Chicago. There are five game-time decisions, including Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen.

My power ratings have Dallas winning by 8.8 points and scoring 115, with an overall total of 221 points. I’m going to trust my numbers and take over the Mavs total.