The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks just made the most insane blockbuster deal of the century! Luka Doncic is headed to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in a three-way blockbuster deal that also included the Utah Jazz. Who would’ve thought?
Meanwhile, the Mavericks have a game today, and the depth could be thin. I’ve asked the AI Model for its thoughts on Dallas’ game and a couple of others. Check it out below. Don’t miss out on any action at the top-rated sportsbooks!
Picks Summary
- Mavericks +13.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Celtics-76ers Under 223.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Bucks -3 (-110)Â at Bet365
Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Sunday, February 02, 2025 – 03:30 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The AI Model believes the Mavericks will lose to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-112. However, the Mavericks are +13.5 against the spread. A 12-point loss would give Dallas the cover in this scenario.
Goodbye, Luka!
Luka Doncic was already on the sideline with an injury. But the Dallas Mavericks just made a trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. Other pieces were involved on the Dallas side, and the Mavericks are getting back Max Christie in the three-way deal with the Jazz involved.
Ultimately, Davis is also injured and wouldn’t be able to play today if he were there. Dallas will be shorthanded, but it won’t lose too many players.
Limit The Fouls!
Cleveland is the No. 1 offense in the NBA. They’ve been able to limit turnovers and shoot a 59.2% effective field goal percentage this season.
However, Dallas ranks third in defensive effective field goal percentage and has held teams to an 18.5 free throw rate. If the Mavericks can continue to play this kind of defense, they’ll at least stick around against the Cavaliers tonight. Think about backing the Mavericks +13.5. Many fans will clown them for the trade, but it wasn’t so bad.
NBA Pick: Mavericks +13.5 (-110) at Bet365
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Sunday, February 02, 2025 – 06:00 PM ET at Wells Fargo Center
The AI Model suggests the Celtics and 76ers will combine for 222 points. However, the total is stuck at 223.5. That means the Under is the play in this East Coast matchup.
It’s Too Easy For The Celtics
The Boston Celtics rank third in the NBA in points per 100 possessions, shooting an effective field goal percentage of 55.9%.
The Celtics have also turned the ball over 11.7% of the time. That’s big news since the 76ers have added 17.4% of turnovers.
If the 76ers can’t add turnovers, the defense is hopeless.
It Takes Two To Tango!
The Philadelphia 76ers rely heavily on getting to the foul line to score their buckets. That’s likely not going to happen against a Celtics team that ranks second in the NBA in defensive free throw rate.
Plus, the Celtics have held teams to a 52.8% effective field goal percentage. Since Philadelphia has shot a 53.3% effective field goal percentage, it doesn’t look too appealing on paper for the 76ers. Side with the AI Model and take the Under.
NBA Pick: Under 223.5 (-110) at Bet365
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Sunday, February 02, 2025 – 08:30 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The AI Model believes the Bucks will outlast the Grizzlies 124-120. Meanwhile, the Bucks are -3 against the spread at Caesars. A four-point win would be enough for the Bucks to cover against the spread.
The Grizzlies Can Be Stopped!
The Memphis Grizzlies have scored 119 points per 100 possessions this season. That’s good for 5th in the NBA.
They’ve added a 56.4% effective field goal percentage and usually dominate the offensive glass.
But against the Bucks, all that goes out the window.
Milwaukee has limited teams to 113.9 points per 100 possessions nad has held opponents to a 53.4% effective field goal percentage. The Bucks have even limited teams to just 26.1% of offensive rebounds.
Ultimately, the Bucks are just as good on defense and can prevent the Grizzlies from scoring frequently.
The Bucks Can Win At The Foul Line
The Bucks won’t have it easy on offense, either. The Grizzlies rank 7th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions.
That said, Memphis still allows 29% of offensive rebounds and has given up a 20.7 free-throw rate, which is 25th in the NBA and an area the Bucks can exploit.
If the Bucks can get to the foul line more throughout the game, they will be able to escape the Grizzlies. Take the Bucks at -3.
NBA Pick: Bucks -3 (-110) at Bet365
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