NBA picks: Mavericks vs. Nuggets prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Monday, Dec. 18

Tonight’s packed NBA slate will feature two of the top teams in the Western Conference duking it out as the Dallas Mavericks hit the road to battle the Denver Nuggets. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET and the game will air on NBA TV.

Dallas (16-9) has won five of its last six and is fresh off a 131-120 victory over the Trail Blazers on Saturday. Luka Doncic delivered another triple-double masterpiece, dropping 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Denver (17-10) had its three-game win streak snapped that same night in a 118-117 loss to the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struck the Nuggets with the dagger at the end, burying a go-ahead turnaround jumper with 1.1 seconds left.

On the injury front, Kyrie Irving (heel) will miss his fifth straight game for the Mavericks Dereck Lively II (ankle) will also miss the contest. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon (heel) is listed as probable while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (concussion protocol) is listed as questionable. Jamal Murray is also probable for Denver.

Denver enters the game as a 7.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, accompanied by a total of 238.5. The Nuggets are listed as a -310 moneyline favorite, making the Mavericks a +250 underdog.

Mavericks vs. Nuggets, 9 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Mavericks +7.5

Dallas has been rolling even with Irving sidelined and have a chance to jump up to second place in the West this evening. The Mavericks are 9-4 against the spread on the road this season and should be up for giving the defending champs a good fight. I’m taking the Mavs to cover.

Over/Under: Over 238.5

This is an interesting clash as Dallas is 18-7 in O/U’s while Denver is 11-16. The Mavs have routinely put up 120+ points and I think they’ll force the Nuggets to pick up the pace. Take the over.