The Denver Nuggets took Game 1 from the Dallas Mavericks in dominating style. Tonight, May 5, the Mavericks will try to play tougher in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semi-finals. It’s the fifth straight win for Denver over the Dallas. NBA oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Nuggets as -6.5 point home favs over the Mavericks with the over/under set at 206 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericksin now at SBGglobal.com
The Mavs were simple outhustled and pounded by the Nuggets during their 95-109 loss. "I don't think we can play as physical as them. We don't have the personality for it," Dallas' center Nowitzki acknowledged Monday, 24 hours after getting knocked around like a pinball. The Mavs gave up 20 turnovers; they were outshot 13-36 from the line, outhustled 4-29 on fastbreak points and outmuscled 30-58 in the paint. As a team they made 40 of 82 (48.8%) from the field, 6 of 18 (33.3%) from the arch and 9 of 13 (69.2%) from the line. Dallas sixth man Jason Terry said the Mavericks have no choice but to stand up to the bullying. "That's the type of game that's going to win the series," Terry said. "If you look at winning, championship basketball, it's all about who's the aggressor. Coming off the San Antonio series where we were the aggressor, we came in here and we were kind of on our heels." Look for the Mavs to take it to the hoop tonight. One of Dallas' best slashers is Josh Howard, who is now playing on two sprained ankles that limit his cutting ability.
The Nuggets played their type of game as the rough-and-tumble Nuggets were quicker, stronger, tougher and much more athletic than the Mavericks. Their top scorers in Game 1 were Nene with 24pts, while Carmelo Anthony added 23pts and Chauncey Billups had a low 6pts. The Nuggets bench was spectacular adding an extra 38pts. The Nuggets will be expecting the Mavs to play a more aggressive game tonight. "I think they can fine-tune some little things, but if they're going to change their personality on who they are, I don't think that's the way to beat us," Coach Karl said. "I think you've come here, you've built yourself on some damn good players playing a style, and you can tinker with that, and I think they will." The Nuggets have averaged 103.4 ppg in their last five meetings against the Mavs and they’ve given up an average 97.2 ppg.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
- Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
- Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Denver.
- Mavericks are 1-8 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
- Nuggets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
2009 NBA Playoffs Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks
When: Tues, May 5, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Nuggets -6.5
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks
The Bottom Line: The Mavs are more of a shooting team and they might not have enough grit to get by the Nuggets, in their home court. Go Nuggets! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
