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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The NBA has lined up an exciting set of fixtures for tonight. Several playoff contenders face off against each other, like Cavaliers vs Rockets, Heat vs Timberwolves, and Lakers vs Knicks. However, the standout matchup is the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets. The two Western Conference pacesetters face each other at the Ball Arena in Denver.

The game promises to be a fiercely competitive match, as the two teams look to establish themselves as favorites for a guaranteed playoff spot. But, what will the two teams line up look like in this highly anticipated game?

Nuggets vs Mavericks: Predicted Lineups and Injuries

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The game between the Nuggets and the Mavs is scheduled to tip off by 9:00 PM, Eastern Time. The two teams have had an exceptional start to the 2023-24 season. Currently, the Mavs are the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, with 16 wins and 9 losses. Whereas, the Nuggets occupy the 4th spot in the Western Conference, having won 17 games and losing another 10.

USA Today via Reuters

The Mavs have been one of the standout teams this season. However, they would miss the services of several key players against Denver. Kyrie Irving (foot), Josh Green (elbow), Maxi Kleber (toe), and Dereck Lively II (ankle), have all been ruled out for the game against Denver. The Nuggets also have to deal with some uncertainty regarding the availability of their players. The Nuggets will miss the services of Vlatko Čančar, who is currently nursing a knee injury. Whereas the Nuggets have listed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as questionable due to a concussion.

The Nuggets could start the game with Jamal Murray, Justin Holiday, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokić. Even with the absence of several key players, the Mavericks maintain one of the most dominant offenses in the NBA. They could begin the game with Luka Dončić, Grant Williams, Dante Exum, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dwight Powell.

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Nuggets vs Mavs: Predictions

This match-up between the two pacesetters of the Western Conference has the makings of a classic. According to FanDuel’s Sportsbook, the Nuggets are 7.5 favorites to win the game. The moneyline odds indicate that the Mavericks are the underdogs with a line of +235, meaning a $100 bet could yield a $235 profit, while the Nuggets are favored with a line of -290, requiring a $290 bet to potentially win $100.

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However, despite the bookmakers strongly favoring Denver, the game may turn out to be highly competitive. The Nuggets would have to contend with Luka Doncic, who has set the NBA on fire with his offensive prowess. But, the Nuggets have a more settled lineup which could prove to be a task too daunting to overcome for the Mavs and Luka.

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