Showdown in Big D – San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

At one game a piece the Spurs and Mavericks first round series actually looks like it’s going to be a tough battle to the end. The battle switches to Dallas on Thursday night as the Mavericks return to their home arena having accomplished what they set out do. That is split with the rival Spurs. Dallas beat the Spurs by 8 points in the first game of the series, but then got beat by the Spurs by 21 in the second game of the series.

The Mavericks will be looking to keep their home court advantage in the third game of the series. If they can, then it could be an early exit for the Spurs.

Here is the BetOnline online sportsbook betting line for this game.

San Antonio Spurs +4 ½ -110 +165 O 190 -110 O/U 93 -115

Dallas Mavericks -4 ½ -110 -200 U 190 -110 O/U 97 -115

Here are a few online betting trends for this game.

The San Antonio Spurs are 1 and 4 ATS in their last 5 games after an against the spread victory.

The Favorite is 4 and 1 against the spread in the last 5 meetings between these two teams.

The Dallas Mavericks are 4 and 1 ATS in their last 5 games at home.

The Dallas Mavericks are 16 and 5 against the spread in their last 21 games following an ATS loss.

The key for the Mavericks in this game will be Josh Howard. Howard put up 25 points in the Maverick’s game one victory in the series but had only 7 in Dallas’s second game loss.

If Howard can get going early, then things will open up for Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and the rest of Dallas’s scorers.

The Spurs are relying heavily, once again, on Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.

Parker was phenomenal in game two of this series when putting up 38 points and 8 assists. The chances of him doing that again aren’t exactly great as Jason Kidd, the Mavs future hall of fame point guard, no doubt will spend most of his time keeping Parker from driving and dishing.

If the Mavs can stop Parker, and Dallas’s top player, Dirk Nowtizki, isn’t bothered by a thumb injury, then the Mavs can cover the spread.

But I wouldn’t count on it. The truth about this game is that the Spurs will be ready to play while the Mavs may take some time getting over the pasting they received from San Antonio in game two.

San Antonio should keep the good times rolling with a win on the road. I believe that Nowitzki’s injury is worse than anyone knows. I also believe that the Spurs will fight hard to regain home court advantage.

I’m taking the Spurs straight-up at +165 in the sportsbook.