Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks preview
December 21, 2015Date & Time: Tuesday, December 22 @7:30 PM
Venue: Air Canada Center (Toronto)
Head to head record
Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto Raptors 91-102 (2015/2016 NBA)
Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto Raptors 99-92 (2014/2015 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks 102-106 (2014/2015 NBA)
Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto Raptors 88-57 (2014 Las Vegas Summer League)
Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks 93-85 (2013/2014 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks prediction
Toronto Raptors will be looking to bounce back from a 104-94 loss to Sacramento Kings when they take on Dallas Mavericks in their Air Canada Center on Tuesday evening. The Mavs defeated Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, but they definitely face a difficult task in the clash against the Canadian side.
Surprising loss to Sacramento
Despite being regarded as favourites in Sunday’s game against Sacramento, Toronto Raptors suffered a 104-94 loss to the Kings in their Air Canada Center. Dwane Casey’s men experienced all sorts of problems at the start of the match and they eventually failed to battle back. The team’s key player DeMar DeRozan once again proved his worth as he scored 28 points in the defeat to Sacramento Kings, while adding seven rebounds. Toronto occupy 5th place in Eastern Conference, but they need to keep on raising their form if they are to book their place in the NBA play-offs. The Raptors boast a record of eight wins and five defeats in their Air Canada Center this season and they are surely do seem capable of beating Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. You should have in mind that Dwane Casey’s men have recorded four wins in previous five home matches at home.
Coach Dwane Casey has no fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Dallas Mavs, but Anthony Bennett, Bruno Caboclo, Lucas Nogueira, Norman Powell and Delon Wright could all return after they were rested against Kings.
Blowing hot and cold
Dallas Mavericks have been having their ups and downs of late. Following a 104-94 win over Phoenix Suns the Mavs suffered a heavy 107-81 loss to Indiana in their last away match, but the team did well to beat Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night (97-88). Rick Carlisle’s charges occupy the fifth place in the Western Conference standings and, as things stand now, they will make it to the play-offs. Dirk Nowitzki scored 20 points in the victory over Grizzlies and, no doubt, the German veteran is still capable of producing scintillating displays at this level.
The Mavs are averaging 100.7 points this season on 43.9 percent shooting and, unlike the previous years, the team have been producing fine performances on the road in the 2015/2016 NBA campaign. You should bear in mind that Dallas have recorded eight wins, while suffering seven losses on the travels this term.
Devin Harris is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day. Coach Rick Carlisle has no other fresh injury problems ahead of the trip to Canada.
Important Facts
- Toronto Raptors have recorded four victories in last five home games
- Dwane Casey’s team are shooting 34.3 percent from beyond the arc
- Raptors have scored more than 100 points in only one of their previous five home matches
- Dallas Mavericks are allowing 100.4 points per game in the 2015/2016 NBA season
- The Mavs have suffered five defeats in previous eight matches on the road
- Dallas have defeated Toronto in three of their previous four meetings
Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks betting pick
Both Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks have been having their ups and downs of late. The Canadian team failed to impress against Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening and they are expected to give 100% to start a new winning run in the Air Canada Center when they take on Rick Carlisle’s troops on Tuesday night. When the two teams take on each other a low-scoring clash is usually on the cards and seeing that a strong defensive effort helped the Mavs record a win over Memphis Grizzlies, I am tempted to put my money on under 196 points this time out.
Pick: Under 196 points
Odds: -142
