Mavericks -6.5 (5*)
Kings/Mavericks Under 212.5 (5*)
A bit of an odd combination but I think we are going to see a different kind of game from these two teams. Mavs don't play great defense to begin with..last game was one of the worst performances I've seen. So many open jumpers, layups, dunks..terrible. Running and gunning is Nelson's game but I have to believe he preached about playing some defense after Game 3. I think we'll see more Bucker, Najera, Griffin, and Bradley today. Those four combined for 23 minutes last game with Griffin not playing at all. The result was Sacramento shooting 53% and the Mavs not getting any key defensive stops. Kings have taken Nowitzki out of his game..no rhythm at all and his shooting is way off. With Peja, Adelman will have to rotate Turkoglu, Wallace, maybe Brown or Funderburke on him..much less offense in the Sac lineup without Stojakovic. Kings were able to overcome his lack of offense and injury with Bibby shooting lights out, Christie not missing a shot, and Webber having a huge game. Hard for me to see all three of them playing/shooting as well as they did in Game 3. This is the biggest game of the season for Dallas..if they don't win this, they aren't going to beat Sactown three straight times. With that in mind, I think they alter their game a bit, certainly not a defensive struggle..lol..but a game finishing in the 190's-low 200's.
Kings/Mavericks Under 212.5 (5*)
A bit of an odd combination but I think we are going to see a different kind of game from these two teams. Mavs don't play great defense to begin with..last game was one of the worst performances I've seen. So many open jumpers, layups, dunks..terrible. Running and gunning is Nelson's game but I have to believe he preached about playing some defense after Game 3. I think we'll see more Bucker, Najera, Griffin, and Bradley today. Those four combined for 23 minutes last game with Griffin not playing at all. The result was Sacramento shooting 53% and the Mavs not getting any key defensive stops. Kings have taken Nowitzki out of his game..no rhythm at all and his shooting is way off. With Peja, Adelman will have to rotate Turkoglu, Wallace, maybe Brown or Funderburke on him..much less offense in the Sac lineup without Stojakovic. Kings were able to overcome his lack of offense and injury with Bibby shooting lights out, Christie not missing a shot, and Webber having a huge game. Hard for me to see all three of them playing/shooting as well as they did in Game 3. This is the biggest game of the season for Dallas..if they don't win this, they aren't going to beat Sactown three straight times. With that in mind, I think they alter their game a bit, certainly not a defensive struggle..lol..but a game finishing in the 190's-low 200's.
