Milwaukee Bucks vs Dallas Mavericks Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 17, 2024

The Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks match up on Thursday for their preseason finale. The contest marks the Bucks and Mavericks' last chance to finalize their rotations ahead of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. However, both squads still have key players battling injuries.

Milwaukee, 1-2 in exhibition play, remains without veteran star wing Khris Middleton, who is rehabbing from injuries to both his ankles.

Meanwhile, Dallas, 0-3 in preseason, is still awaiting the return of its top player, superstar guard Luka Doncic, who is nursing a left calf injury.

Doncic was reportedly a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Nevertheless, according to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, he will probably "not participate" in Thursday's preseason finale. Thus, Bucks and Mavericks fans will likely have to wait until the regular season to see their squads at full strength.

Despite their poor exhibition records, the teams enter the season among the favorites in their respective conferences. Dallas, led by Doncic and his co-star Kyrie Irving, will look to defend its Western Conference crown. The organization bolstered its rotation over the offseason, adding veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson and other proven role players.

Conversely, Milwaukee, spearheaded by superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, will look to return to NBA title contention. Since winning the 2021 championship, the Bucks have yet to make it past the playoffs' second round.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Dallas Mavericks odds, preview and prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks' preseason showdown is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT and locally on Mavs.com and Bally Sports WI. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Bucks (+105) vs Mavericks (-125)

Spread: Bucks +1.5 (-110) vs Mavericks -1.5 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o217.5 (-110) vs u217.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tip-off, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Dallas Mavericks preview

With Doncic expected to be sidelined, Antetokounmpo will likely be the clear-cut best player in Thursday's matchup. The two-time MVP is averaging a team-best 22.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in only 21.5 minutes per game through two preseason outings. Thus, he appears primed for another dominant campaign.

Apart from Antetokounmpo, sixth man Bobby Portis (16.3 ppg) and Lillard (14.3 ppg) have been Milwaukee's top offensive contributors. Meanwhile, veteran center Brook Lopez has provided solid rim protection, racking up six blocks over three contests.

As for Dallas, reserve guards Jaden Hardy (16.3 ppg) and Jazian Gortman (12.7 ppg) have led the way offensively in Doncic's absence. Meanwhile, Irving tallied 12 points in his lone exhibition appearance. The Mavericks have also received serviceable frontcourt production from big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

However, Thompson has gotten off to a slow start, averaging only 5.0 ppg on 16.7% shooting through two games. So, he will look to shake off his rust ahead of the regular season.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Dallas Mavericks projected starting lineups

With Middleton (ankles) sidelined, the Bucks' starting lineup should be as follows:

PG: Damian Lillard SG: Gary Trent Jr. SF: Taurean Prince PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo C: Brook Lopez

Meanwhile, with Doncic (calf) unlikely to play, the Mavericks could trot out the following starting five:

PG: Jaden Hardy/Spencer Dinwiddie SG: Kyrie Irving SF: Klay Thompson PF: P.J. Washington C: Dereck Lively II

While Irving rested during Monday's 110-96 loss to the LA Clippers, he should suit up for Dallas' preseason finale.

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Dallas Mavericks prediction

While Dallas has the homecourt advantage, Milwaukee has more talent. Meanwhile, it's riding the momentum of its first preseason victory on Monday against the Chicago Bulls (111-107).

Conversely, the Mavericks have struggled to generate consistent offense without Doncic, experimenting with different lineups. Thus, the Bucks should emerge victorious while covering the spread (+1.5).

Meanwhile, the shorthanded squads appear unlikely to surpass their 217.5 over/under point total.

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