From Covers write up:
The Nuggets swept the four-game season series, going 3-1 ATS. The teams came in under the total in their last three meetings. Mavericks forward Josh Howard was a virtual non-factor, playing a combined 41 minutes and shooting 5-of-20 in the first two games and sitting out the last two altogether.
Putting the D’ back in Denver
One year ago, the Nuggets were swept out of the opening round by the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing nearly 115 points per game with a porous defense that relied on Marcus Camby to cover for all its mistakes.
That squad seems like ancient history. In the first round against the New Orleans Hornets, the Nuggets allowed an average of 84.2 points without Camby, who was traded to the Clippers in a cost-cutting move.
Having healthy big men Kenyon Martin and Nene certainly has helped, as has the swap of Allen Iverson for the physical, defensively sound Chauncey Billups. But the biggest difference has been the contribution of forward Chris "Birdman" Andersen, who averaged 2.5 blocks per game despite playing just over 20 minutes per contest.
The Nuggets were very physical with the Hornets and likely will adopt a similar approach with the Mavericks, who have been accused of being a bit soft at times. It will be interesting to see how Dallas responds.
Trends
The Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in the postseason
The Nuggets have not reached the total in their last three games
The Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games
The Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in the postseason
The Mavericks have won their last six games in which they did not reach the total (Meaning Dallas wins when that play defense)
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BOL guys.
