The first game of an NBA on TNT doubleheader on Thursday features Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks visiting the New York Knicks – who may not have All-Star and former Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson due to injury. Needless to say, the spread is in flux because of that.

Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks Game Information

Couple of buckets #MFFL pic.twitter.com/LsWiQeN7Tk

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 7, 2024

• When: Thursday, February 8th, 2024, 7:30 PM ET
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
• TV: TNT
• Radio: 97.1 The Freak (Mavericks) // WEPN-FM 98.7 (Knicks)
• Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Odds: Mavericks (-4.5) // Knicks (+4.5)

Why Bet on the Dallas Mavericks?

Dallas is 2-0 on this three-game road trip after a 119-107 win over the Nets on Tuesday in Kyrie Irving’s first game back in Brooklyn since being traded to the Mavs last season. He led all players Tuesday with 36 points and has tallied at least 35 points in six games, including in four of his last 10 outings.

“It felt like I was home tonight,” said Irving, who was 15-of-24 from the field, including 6-of-10 from behind the three-point line. “Getting here early, warming up, just getting a good sense of the rims and the atmosphere and what it’s going to be like, and just mentally preparing myself for the game, just letting the game come to me and allowing the basketball gods to do the rest.”

Luka Doncic also was great with 35 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists, one night after Doncic suffered a nasal contusion after he was whacked in the face against the 76ers. Doncic started Tuesday’s game wearing a mask, but quickly ditched it at the first timeout. Doncic has recorded at least 35 points in three of his last four outings.

Rookie center Dereck Lively and guard Dante Exum both sat Tuesday and are in doubt in this one. Lively underwent a procedure on Monday to prepare his fractured nose.

Dallas tries for the season sweep as it beat the visiting Knicks 128-124 on Jan. 11. Doncic missed that game with a right ankle sprain but is averaging 29.5 points (.489 FG%), 10.3 rebounds and 8.4 assists in 10 career games against the Knicks, including 32.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 9.1 assists in his last eight games against the franchise. The Mavericks have now won 15 of the 21 trips to Madison Square Garden.

Why Bet on the New York Knicks?

The big question here is whether New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, having a career season and named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team, will be able to play against his former Dallas team and it seems unlikely after injuring his ankle in Tuesday’s win over Memphis – although the early word at least is that it’s not serious as Brunson was spotted leaving the arena without a boot, crutches or a pronounced limp. But he was also walking gingerly.

New York was crushing Memphis until the Grizzlies mounted a furious comeback that forced Tom Thibodeau to put the Knicks’ starters back in the game. Just a few minutes after his return, Brunson was driving to the basket when he slipped and twisted his right ankle. He was hurt with 5:31 remaining and the Knicks up by 10. Brunson attempted to shake it off and sat on the bench during the subsequent timeout, only to concede to the pain and depart through the tunnel. Brunson was followed by his father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, who came back a few minutes later.

The 27-year-old Brunson is averaging 27.2 points and 6.5 assists. He is the only player in the NBA this season to record at least 1300 total points, 125 made three pointers, while shooting at least 40% from the three-point line. Brunson was selected for his first All-Star Game and of course wants to play in the game but could opt to rest depending on the status of his ankle. Brunson also is scheduled to participate in the 3-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend.

The Knicks have 10 of their past 11 and stand as the No. 4 seed in the East despite dealing with injuries to Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Julius Randle (shoulder), OG Anunoby (elbow) and Quentin Grimes (knee). Robinson and Randle for sure will remain out Thursday. Robinson, who has been out since mid-December after undergoing ankle surgery, will begin on-court shooting shortly after the All-Star break. There’s still hope that Robinson will be able to return before the end of the season. Randle is out through the break.

In addition, Sixth Man/occasional starter Josh Hart suffered a knee injury on Tuesday. Hart was still able to finish the contest, which offers hope that his knee issue isn’t anything too severe. He finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds and has been playing a lot more with all those other guys banged up.

The Knicks have four difficult games before the All-Star break including this one, and it’s conceivable that mass injuries could imperil all of those games and thus put an ambitious seed at risk.

“Same as always,” was Thibodeau’s take on the possibility of losing still more essential members of his lineup. “Next man up. Get the job done.”

Mavericks vs. Knicks Betting Trends

• Dallas is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 games.
• The Mavericks are 4-1 SU in ita last 5 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
• The totals went under in 5 of Dallas’ last 6 games.
• New York is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 games.
• The Knicks are 10-1 SU in its last 11 games.
• The totals went under in 11 of New York’s last 13 games.

Mavericks vs. Knicks Expert Betting Prediction

Mavericks 114, Knicks 112.

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