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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks open the first game of a home-and-home set this weekend.
James Harden is fresh off his best game in a Cavs uniform, and I’ll explain why he’s due for another big night in my Cavaliers vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks for Friday, March 13.
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Cavaliers vs Mavericks prediction
Cavaliers vs Mavericks best bet: James Harden Over 21.5 points (-125)
James Harden is still getting accustomed to his new role since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the 36-year-old is fresh off his best performance in a Cavs uniform after scoring 30 points Wednesday.
It marked Harden’s first 30-point game in nearly two months, but he’s been a consistent scoring option so far for Cleveland. Harden has scored 20+ points in five of his last seven outings.
The Dallas Mavericks have just three wins in their last 21 games while allowing 120.2 ppg over that span — the fifth-worst mark in the NBA.
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Cavaliers vs Mavericks same-game parlay
Not only have the Mavericks been one of the league’s worst defensive teams but they’ve also been brutal on the glass, allowing 46.6 rebounds per game, tied for third-worst.
Harden and Donovan Mitchell have both logged Over 4.5 boards in four of their last five games.
Cavaliers vs Mavericks SGP
James Harden Over 4.5 rebounds
Donovan Mitchell Over 4.5 rebounds
Our “from downtown” SGP: Long distance calls
The Mavs have covered the spread just three times in their last nine games, but if the Cavs are going to win big, they’ll need to rain down plenty of treys.
Harden has hit Over 3.5 threes in three of his last six, Mitchell has Over 2.5 threes in two of his last three, and Jaylon Tyson has Over 1.5 in five of his last six.
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Cavaliers vs Mavericks SGP
James Harden Over 3.5 threes made
Donovan Mitchell Over 2.5 threes made
Jaylon Tyson Over 1.5 threes made
Cavaliers vs Mavericks odds
Spread: Cavaliers -12.5 | Mavericks +12.5
Moneyline: Cavaliers -700 | Mavericks +500
Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5
