Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions November 10th 2024

The Denver Nuggets will host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night in a matchup that could hinge on one critical factor: bench production. Both teams have dealt with varying levels of success from their reserves, but Denver’s recent improvement in bench play could give them the upper hand as they look to extend their winning streak at home.

Denver’s Bench Finding Rhythm

Despite preseason concerns, Denver’s bench has been stepping up, particularly as key reserves like Russell Westbrook have contributed playmaking and hustle. Westbrook, alongside emerging young players Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson, has provided Denver with stability even when star players are resting. Denver’s bench performance has been crucial, especially with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon recently sidelined due to injuries. Murray made a triumphant return from concussion protocols on Friday, scoring a season-high 28 points and showcasing his ability to lead the offense.

Nikola Jokic continues to be the center of Denver’s success, leading the league in assists (11.3 per game) while ranking among the top in scoring and rebounding. Jokic’s ability to create opportunities for teammates has boosted the confidence of Denver’s reserves, allowing them to find high-quality shots and play with freedom.

“Playing with Nikola helps everybody. He puts it in the right spots,” said Christian Braun, who scored 21 points against the Miami Heat. “You get a lot of easy looks, you get a lot of easy ones early that give you confidence.”

Dallas’ Bench Struggles and Heavy Workload for Stars

For Dallas, bench production has been a pressing issue. Head coach Jason Kidd openly expressed frustration after Friday’s narrow loss to the Phoenix Suns, where Dallas’s reserves managed just nine points. With injuries to key players like P.J. Washington, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II, Kidd has been forced to rely heavily on starters Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Both stars are logging heavy minutes, with Doncic and Irving averaging 37.2 and 35.7 minutes per game, respectively—an unsustainable rate for the long season.

“The fatigue of running Luka and Kyrie 40-something minutes because our bench stinks right now… As deep as we are, we’ve got to get someone to participate off the bench,” Kidd said post-game. “Somebody has to join the party to help Kyrie and Luka. That’s just not happening right now.”

In addition to bench inconsistency, the Mavericks have struggled with slow starts, often falling behind early and forcing their stars to play catch-up. Kidd emphasized the need for someone to bring early energy, saying, “It’s got to be addressed. We’ve talked about it; there’s got to be action. Somebody’s got to come with some energy. We’re flat.”

Key Matchups and Factors to Watch

Bench Production

Denver’s reserves are finding their rhythm, while Dallas’s bench continues to struggle. The Mavericks will need someone off the bench to relieve Doncic and Irving’s workload, while Denver will aim to maintain consistency from their second unit.

Overcoming Slow Starts

Both teams have experienced early-game struggles, making it critical to come out with high energy. Whichever team can establish an early lead will hold a significant advantage in this matchup.

Injury Impact

With Aaron Gordon out, Denver will look to Peyton Watson to step up in his absence. For Dallas, injuries to key rotation players mean that reserves like Spencer Dinwiddie and Dwight Powell will need to be efficient with their minutes.

Nikola Jokic’s Influence

Jokic’s unique ability to facilitate from anywhere on the court has been central to Denver’s offense. Dallas will need a defensive plan to contain Jokic’s playmaking, especially as he exploits mismatches and defensive gaps.

Managing Doncic and Irving’s Minutes

With Kidd calling for better bench contributions, a key question is whether Dallas can limit Doncic and Irving’s minutes. If they are forced into heavy minutes again, fatigue could play a major factor in the outcome.

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Outlook

As the Nuggets and Mavericks face off, bench production and defensive energy will be crucial for both teams. Denver, with the advantage of Jokic’s playmaking and an improving bench, will look to control the tempo and capitalize on their home-court advantage. For Dallas, finding a way to keep Doncic and Irving fresh while getting contributions from their injury-depleted reserves will be essential.