- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: March 1, 2025
- Who: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Time: 5:30 p.m. PST
- Where: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)
The Milwaukee Bucks will play the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA tonight. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Bucks enter the matchup as 3.5-point favorites over the Mavericks, with the spread listed at Bucks -3.5.
The total points for the game are 227.5. Milwaukee is favored to win outright at -160, while Dallas is +135 for those looking for an upset.
Milwaukee
The Bucks head into this matchup, having won seven of their last ten games, most recently defeating the Nuggets 121-112.
A key development for the Bucks is that their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, seems to be fully recovered from his calf injury. The two-time MVP is currently averaging 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
A matchup with the Mavs. pic.twitter.com/GrrWxNiOin
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 1, 2025
After adhering to a minutes restriction post-All-Star break, Antetokounmpo has logged at least 32 minutes in each of the last three games and is listed as probable for tonight’s contest. Milwaukee will be missing Bobby Portis, who is serving a 25-game suspension.
However, Kyle Kuzma, who joined the team as part of the Khris Middleton trade, along with Brook Lopez, has both stepped up their game, scoring in double figures in nine of their last ten outings.
Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks have been working to adjust following the trade that sent Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, currently holding a record of 32-28.
Offensively, the Mavericks have performed well this season, averaging 114.9 points per game while hitting 47.5% of their shots.
They’ve also been effective from three-point range, converting 37.2% of their attempts. At the free-throw line, they maintain a solid percentage of 77.3.
Saturday night hoops ????
???? @bucks
⌚ 7:30PM CT
???? MavsTV & KFAA
???? 97.1 FM and 99.1 FM
???? Los Mavs Night
????️ https://t.co/NxL5WN0dtb pic.twitter.com/36FR1KswR6— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 1, 2025
Point guard Kyrie Irving has been a standout player for the team, averaging 24.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly even with a depleted roster.
Defensively, the Mavericks have been holding their ground, ranking 16th by allowing 113.1 points per game.If they can enhance their defensive play moving forward, it could lead to greater consistency in the second half of the season.
Ramadan is currently in progress for Irving, who will be observing the fast this month. During Ramadan last year, he averaged 26.3 points, five rebounds, and 5.7 assists, shooting 50.9% from the field over 15 games.
The Milwaukee defense is giving up 26.5 points per game to point guards, the highest in the league. Dallas is counting on a strong performance from Irving tonight, especially with PJ Washington likely out again.
Bucks-Mavericks Best Bet
While both teams have evolved recently, three of their last four meetings have gone over 239 points, with tonight’s total set at 228. The Bucks and Mavericks rank in the league’s top half for offensive rating and pace, and Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a dominant presence.
With Dallas missing their top three centers, Antetokounmpo is primed for a big game. Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson are expected to capitalize on Milwaukee’s perimeter defense.
Antetokounmpo has tallied 40 points plus rebounds in 24 of his last 30 games when playing 30 minutes or more, and with Dallas ranking low in points allowed in the paint and rebounds, he should excel.
Kuzma can also continue his scoring streak, needing just 12 points tonight, while Irving has scored 25 in five of his last six games.
Thompson has made three three-pointers in eight of his past nine games and will likely be the second scoring option. We should see more than 228 points tonight with both teams’ offensive strengths.
Best Bet: Over 227.5 points at -115 odds.
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
