Denver Nuggets Dallas Mavericks Game 5 Predictions

Written May 13, 2009 by Jason Lowry

mavs-nuggets-game-5-051309 On Wednesday the Dallas Mavericks will look to try and extend their series with the Denver Nuggets when the two teams meet up in Denver for game 5 of the 2nd round Western Conference series. In game 4 the Mavericks won a physical showdown on their home court 119-117, thanks in big part to their all-star Dirk Nowitzki, as Dirk led all scorers with 44 points and helped out on the boards with 13 rebounds. Dallas also got 21 points and 11 rebounds from Josh Howard, but he wasn’t the only one doing damage, as Jason Kidd nearly had a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. The bench also chipped in, as Jason Terry, Brandon Bass, and Jose Barea all scored in double figures. For Denver Carmelo Anthony was the main offensive threat once again, as he dropped in 41 points. Chauncey Billups added 24 points and 7 assists, and J.R. Smith came off the bench to score 19 points on 7 of 10 shooting. There is no question that the intensity will be there in game 5, as their were 7 technical fouls and multiple flagrant fouls in game 4. With the game just around the corner, here is a look at what I think each team has to do to win the game, plus my prediction on who I think comes out on top against the spread.

What the Mavericks have to do to win: There is no question that this team will go as far as Nowitzki takes them, and that means the big man has to have another great game if the Mavs are going to keep the series alive. Dirk was simply unstoppable in game 4 shooting 14-25, and I see no reason why he doesn’t have close to 30 shots in game 5. I also think that the Mavs are going to need big games from both Howard and Kidd, as both played some of their best basketball of the series in game 4. The Mavericks bench actually outscored the Nuggets bench 33-31, and that is a key part in this team winning this game. If the bench can come in and play at that same level in game 5, there is a good chance that the Mavs can win this game. I have a pretty good feeling that the game is going to be very physical, and its key that the Mavs don’t let their star players get in foul trouble on the road, or this team stands no chance at beating Denver. Bet the Mavericks +8.5 to win at Sportsbook.com.

What the Nuggets have to do to win: I think the Nuggets will come out ready to go in game 5, and there is no question they are going to need a big game from both Billups and Anthony in this one. I think the biggest thing the Nuggets have to do in this game is keep their head, as they pretty much have the series won and can’t afford to have anybody missing any games in the conference finals. Kenyon Martin wasn’t much of a factor in game 4, as he had just 2 points, 2 rebounds and 6 fouls, and they need him to be more of a factor in game 5. The Nuggets were without Chris Anderson in game 4, as he was ill with the flu and if he plays this team is a much better team, especially on the defensive side of things. The Nuggets really just need to find a way to slow down Nowitizki, as he is pretty much the entire Mavericks offense. Bet the Nuggets -8.5 to win at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: Nuggets -8.5. It was nice to see the Mavericks didn’t just roll over and die after falling behind 3 games to 0, but I expect this series to come to an end in game 5, as I think the Nuggets win this one convincingly. I look for Billups to step up on the Nuggets home floor, and really carry this team to a victory.

For those of you looking to do some NBA betting on the game, be sure to check out our expert NBA picks and grab the latest NBA odds at Betfirms.

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