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NBA Predictions: 2014 Dallas Mavericks Season Betting Preview

Mavericks NBA Picks

The Dallas Mavericks surprised some people this past season by making the playoffs after multiple offseasons spent unsuccessfully chasing superstars. 

2014-15 Dallas Mavericks
Western Conference
2013-14 Record: 49-33 (26-15 @ Home) .598
Odds to win Title: 20/1
Odds to win Conference: 10/1
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This summer saw a similar theme hold true, with the LeBrons and Carmelos of the world looking past what the team has to offer, but a few substantial acquisitions should push this team higher in the rankings than the eight-place finish they saw in 2013-14.

Cappers Picks provides free NBA HOOPS handicapping tips all season long.

Mavericks Key Losses

Jose Calderon – Jose Calderon was an underrated piece of the puzzle that was the Mavericks’ improvement last season, as it pertains to the national spotlight. His veteran presence was exactly what the team needed at the floor general position, and while that presence will be missed, the team had seemingly gone as far as it could go with him as the acting floor general.

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Shawn Marion – Shawn Marion was clearly past his prime last season, but his 3-and-D mentality was extremely valuable. His presence on both sides of the floor wasn’t just limited to the perimeter, either, as he has made a living as a small forward-power forward hybrid throughout his career.

Vince Carter – Like Marion, Vince Carter is beyond his prime. However, that doesn’t mean Dallas won’t miss his presence. V.C. had a knack for making teams pay from long range, and even at 37 years old, he was capable of hitting big-time shots in big-time moments.

Mavericks Top Newcomers

Chandler Parsons – You can’t start this topic without first talking about Chandler Parsons. The team may have missed out on the top-tier talent that sat atop the 2014 free agent class, but it did what it took (meaning offering a big-time contract) to snag Parsons from the in-state rival Houston Rockets.

Tyson Chandler – Although Tyson Chandler isn’t the same player he was when the Mavs won their only championship in 2011, he’s going to be a huge difference-maker in the paint. He still has the size and skill set to be an elite defender, so the question is: Can he stay healthy and does he still have the athleticism to keep up with today’s ultra-athletic big men.

Jameer Nelson – Jose Calderon is gone, but Jameer Nelson is in. Chances are, we’ll see quite a bit of shuffling at point in the rotation early in the year, but Nelson should prove to be the most reliable in his first year wearing a uniform without the words “Orlando” or “Magic” on the front.

Mavericks Top Players

Dirk Nowitzki – As long as Dirk Nowitzki is on this roster, he’s going to be the face of the franchise. This summer, he had an opportunity to re-sign for his last big deal, but instead he took a major discount to ensure the long- and short-term success of this team. Look for him to start slowing down at 36 years old, but don’t expect it to be dramatic, as his game has never relied on extreme athleticism.

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Monta Ellis – Monta Ellis proved last season that he can excel alongside a true No. 1 option. We’ll see this season how he performs while playing alongside another go-to scorer in Chandler Parsons.

Chandler Parsons/Tyson Chandler – These two newcomers (mentioned above) will be big contributors on offense and defense, respectively. Look for the two to instantly become fan favorites.

Mavericks Strengths

Offense – No need to get fancy on this one. The Dallas Mavericks had one of the best offenses in the league last season. The team is without weapons it had last year, but their replacements should fill in nicely.

The challenge is for Rick Carlisle to create a flow on offense that gets everyone involved. However, this is a cohesive unit, meaning egos shouldn’t be an issue — so long as the team is winning.

Mavericks Weaknesses

Defense – Defense is probably going to be the biggest issue for this group, as it has been for years now.

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Remember when everyone was calling Dallas “Allas” in the mid-2000s because they have no D? Things haven’t changed much.

All that said, the re-insertion of Tyson Chandler to the lineup could be the difference-maker this group needs. Look for his health to be a big story this year, as a long, healthy season could result in a significant increase in team defensive production.

Mavericks 2014 Betting Prediction

The Mavericks enter 2014-15 with the highest expectations they’ve seen since the championship run in 2011. That’s a good thing for a squad looking to compete at a high level, but the question is: Can they meet, or even exceed, those expectations?

At this point, it’s safe to say Dallas will be improved. The team won 49 wins last year, and anything between 50 and 55 (with something likely in the middle) is now realistic.

As for seeding, look for this group to compete for home-court advantage, while ultimately finishing in the fifth or sixth spot. The second round is certainly a possibility depending on the first-round matchup, but that appears to be the team’s ceiling at this point in the process.

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By PDX PIX

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