Dec. 23, 2025, 11:01 a.m. ET

The Denver Nuggets (21-7) and Dallas Mavericks (11-19) meet Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (NBC) from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Mavericks lead 1-0

The Nuggets throttled the Utah Jazz 135-112 Monday, covering as a 20.5-point home favorite with the Under (250) cashing. Four Denver players scored at least 20 points, with G Jamal Murray leading the way with 27 on 8-for-16 shooting. The Nuggets have won 7 of their last 8 games but 5-3 against the spread (ATS) in that span. They are 17-11 ATS on the season.

The Mavericks lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 119-113 on Monday, failing to cover as a 4-point road underdog. The Under (244) hit. Dallas was led by F Anthony Davis, who scored 35 points and hauled in 17 rebounds. The Mavericks have performed much better of late, going 6-4 over their last 10 games and covering in each victory. They are 14-16 ATS on the season.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Nuggets at Mavericks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Mavericks +225 (bet $100 to win $225)Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -6.5 (-115) | Mavericks +6.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 235.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Nuggets at Mavericks key injuries

Nuggets

(Not yet submitted — below was for Monday’s game)

G Christian Braun (ankle) outF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out

Mavericks

(Not yet submitted — below was for Monday’s game)

G Max Christie (illness) questionableG Dante Exum (knee) outG Kyrie Irving (knee) outF Dereck Lively II (foot) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nuggets at Mavericks picks and predictionsPrediction

Nuggets 124, Mavericks 118

PASS.

The Nuggets (-275) are the more talented side and should come out on top, but they are too pricey to consider here.

BET MAVERICKS +6.5 (-105).

The Mavericks are surging at home, having won 4 straight games at American Airlines Center. Those haven’t been easy wins either, having taken down the 23-6 Detroit Pistons and 17-9 Houston Rockets in that stretch. Dallas has covered in each of those games and is 6-2 ATS in its past 8 home games.

The Nuggets will take to the road after a 4-game home stretch, and they have gone just 1-2 ATS in their last 3 away games. Denver’s defense has flatlined, allowing 112 or more points in 4 straight games. With Davis, Dallas has the size to battle C Nikola Jokic, as well.

Expect this one to be close and back MAVERICKS +6.5 (-105).

BET OVER 235.5 (-110).

Both teams are trending toward the Over and have efficient scoring weapons. The Mavericks have gone Over in 5 of their last 7 games and have scored at least 111 points in all 7 contests. Their offense has been efficient and consistent over the past few weeks.

The Nuggets have gone 10-3 O/U in their last 13 games. They have the most effective offense in the NBA and have scored at least 126 points in 4 of their last 5 performances. That should continue Tuesday.

Back OVER 235.5 (-110).

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