Mavericks vs. Bucks: Preview, Predictions and Betting Picks

On Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, the Dallas Mavericks (3-0) are playing the Milwaukee Bucks (1-3) at Fiserv Forum. This is the final preseason matchup of the 2021-22 NBA season for both teams. BetOnline odds are viewable down below.

Game Information

Start time: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Fiserv Forum; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

TV channels: Bally Sports New Orleans, Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Oklahoma, Bally Sports Southwest, Bally Sports Wisconsin, NBA League Pass,

Radio broadcast: WTMJ-AM/FM, KEGL/KFZO

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks news

Leading into tonight’s final exhibition contest, the Mavericks are 2-1 in their past three head-to-head meetings versus the Bucks. On Apr. 3, 2021, the last time these teams played one another, Dallas won 116-101 at home. The three previous games do not include any preseason contests. The Mavs are aiming to finish their preseason undefeated.

On another subject, the top story for tonight’s inter-conference matchup pertains to Milwaukee re-signing general manager Jon Horst to a multi-year deal. In his four seasons as the organization’s general manager, the Bucks have made the playoffs each season.

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed general manager Jon Horst to a multi-year contract extension.https://t.co/xCx7ODzuxP

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 15, 2021

Injury Report

For the Mavericks, they have five players listed out on Friday: Reggie Bullock, Tyrell Terry, Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. These last three aforementioned players are just resting. Though, Bullock and Terry are out because of personal reasons.

Meanwhile, the Bucks have four players out against Dallas: Donte DiVincenzo, Semi Ojelye and Bobby Portis. DiVincenzo is resting his foot, Portis is still recovering from a hamstring injury and Ojelye is waiting for his calf to feel better. Rodney Hood is listed as probable to play, too.

According to Mavericks' game notes, Luka, KP and Hardaway all will sit out for rest purposes Friday at Milwaukee. Bullock and Terry also are out.

— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) October 14, 2021

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks betting lines

Over/Under: 224

Point spread: Bucks -10.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Mavericks +460, Bucks -600

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks preview

On Wednesday, in the Mavs’ 127-59 pounding road victory over the Hornets, guard Tim Hardaway Jr. led his team in scoring, finishing his night with 20 points in 24 minutes played. Forward Kristaps Porzingis ended his performance with 17 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23 minutes on the court. Plus, the team shot 47-for-92 (51.1%) from the field and 18-for-46 (39.1%) from three-point range.

Furthermore, this exhibition win for Dallas was one of the most lopsided preseason victories in their franchise history. It was certainly the biggest exhibition win for a team since 1995. Dallas scored 36 points in the fourth quarter, on top of holding Charlotte to 18 points. Horrible shooting by the Hornets sums up their Wednesday night performance.

Moreover, on Sunday, in the Bucks’ 130-110 win against the Thunder, Jordan Nwora scored a team-high 15 points in 20 minutes spent on the court. Khris Middleton and Elijah Bryant each contributed 14 points on the stat sheet as well. Milwaukee scored 48 points in the opening quarter.

Upon further review of the box score statistics, the Bucks shot 51-for-94 (54.3%) from the floor and 20-for-37 (54.1%) from behind the arc. Not to mention, Milwaukee out-rebounded Oklahoma City 55 to 35. The team’s 20-point victory was their first win of the preseason for the 2021-22 NBA season.

Next, for the Mavs’ projected starting lineup, they have PG Jalen Brunson, SG Sterling Brown, SF Josh Green, PF Maxi Kleber and C Dwight Powell. The Bucks’ projected starting lineup consists of PG Jrue Holiday, SG Grayson Allen, SF Khris Middleton, PF Giannis Antetokounmpo and C Brook Lopez.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks prediction

Additionally, while the Mavs put up 127 points versus the Hornets, the Bucks scored 130 points against the Thunder. This is a total of 257 points. The total for these teams’ final preseason matchup is set at 224. Therefore, it makes sense for bettors to pick the over. Once in a while, gamblers win loads of cash by taking the under. But, there are several high-scoring performances in the NBA nowadays.

For betting trends, the Mavs’ total has gone under in four of the team’s past six games. They are also 12-6 straight up in their last 18 games played. And, the total has gone over in seven of their previous nine road games. Keep in mind, these betting trends do not include preseason contests.

As for the Bucks, they are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games. Also, they are 4-1 SU in the team’s past five contests. And, Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in their previous 11 games played in the month of October. In summary, there is nothing wrong with taking the over. Even with the Mavs resting their starters, the total could go over.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks betting pick

The Bucks will win at home; the total will go over 224. Milwaukee is a 10.5-point favorite via BetOnline.