2009-10 Dallas Mavericks Predictions

Written October 26, 2009 by Jack Jones

The Dallas Mavericks could be a team that sneaks up on people this season. They went out and added a solid group of three veterans in Drew Gooden, Shawn Marion, and Tim Thomas to go with an already loaded lineup that includes Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, and Jason Kidd. This team went 50-32 a year ago and there is no reason to believe they can’t be just as good, if not better, in 2009-10. The NBA odds makers think they’ll be just under that mark, setting their season win total at 48.5. The Mavs are also 14-to-1 to win the West and 25-to-1 to bring home the Finals hardware. If you are going to bet the NBA this season, make sure you take a look at the $500 in FREE bonus money being offered by BetUS!

Backcourt

At point guard the Mavs have one of the best to ever play the game in Kidd, but he turns 37 this season so how long can he keep contributing at an elite level? He does a great job of passing the ball, and shot 41% from beyond the arc last season, so there hasn’t been much of a decline yet. At shooting guard the team is going to experiment with Howard, who had another solid season of scoring 18 ppg a year ago. Jason Terry will most likely come off the bench again after winning the Sixth Man Award a year ago, but he could also start at the two spot. Offense isn’t a problem for any of these guys, but they can be a liability on the defensive end of the floor with quicker point guards and taller shooting guards.

Frontcourt

Marion might be past his prime at age 31, but he will still be a solid contributer. He’s one of the best perimeter rebounds in NBA history and he averaged 8.5 boards a year ago. His scoring did take a dip to 12.9 ppg a year ago, but with as many weapons as the Mavs have, that isn’t quite as important. Nowitzki just keeps on putting up big numbers and carrying this team on his shoulders. Last season saw him post 25.9 points on 48% shooting while pulling down 8.4 rebounds per game. He’ll have some additional front court help with Drew Gooden, who has been a journey man so far in his career but will give the Mavs depth and additional options at center. Erick Dampier will start down at the five and is in his contract year which could provide some additional motivation.

Summary

The Mavs have spent the last couple of seasons just on the edge of contending, but not quite there. Is Marion enough to get them over the top? With my NBA predictions I don’t quite think so as I am putting this team behind the San Antonio Spurs in the Southwest. If you want to cash in on more of your bets, sign up for the NBA picks offered by our experts each day of the season.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?