Following a six-game slate on Tuesday, the NBA returns with a loaded Wednesday crop of games. Not many carry a higher profile than a night meeting between the Knicks and Mavericks, set to tip at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The midweek bout presents a pair of teams trending in opposite directions. New York is off to a strong start in the Eastern Conference, whereas Dallas continues to fall down the ladder in the West.
Below, we’ll break down a Knicks vs. Mavericks prediction and picks to consider for Wednesday's game. Use PrizePicks NBA to make player picks and win money if you’re right.
Knicks vs. Mavericks Prediction, Preview for Wednesday, 11/19
Wednesday marks the 89th all-time meeting between these two clubs in the regular season. Thus far, the Mavericks boast a 47-41 series lead. Dallas developed a five-game winning streak from 2022-2024, but New York won the most recent clash back in March.
On the injury front, both teams have dynamics to monitor. For New York, star PG Jalen Brunson was upgraded to questionable as he attempts to return from an ankle sprain. Meanwhile, F OG Anunoby was diagnosed with a hamstring ailment that’ll hold him out for two weeks at least.
For Dallas, PG Kyrie Irving is still out while he recovers from a torn ACL. Superstar F/C Anthony Davis, too, is out due to his calf strain. Elsewhere, C Dereck Lively II (knee) and C/F Daniel Gafford (ankle) were upgraded to probable for Wednesday.
New York Knicks Preview vs. Mavericks
Last season was objectively the Knicks’ best this century. Not only did they win 51 games in the regular season, but they got all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately for now-former head coach Tom Thibodeau, that wasn’t enough, as he’s no longer in town.
Year one of the Mike Brown era at head coach is off to an interesting start. The Knicks are 8-5 thus far but are 6-2 since a rocky first five games.
New York owns an efficient offense, leading the sport in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.207) and ranking sixth in overall scoring (121.4 PPG).
Defensively, the Knicks are fifth in opposing paint scoring and rebounding but give up 3-pointers at the third-highest efficiency (39.4%).
Dallas Mavericks Preview vs. Knicks
Everyone should be familiar with the Mavericks’ infamous trade of G Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. They went 16-28 after the move, ending their 2024 campaign on a sour note.
The vibes are even worse this season. Not only was general manager Nico Harrison relieved of his duties, but Dallas is tied for 13th in the West with a 4-11 record.
Predictably, the Mavs struggle immensely on offense. They’re 27th in per-game scoring (110.3 PPG) and rank dead last in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.402).
Things are better on the other side. Dallas’ opposing shooting efficiency of 1.102 is second-lowest in the NBA.
Knicks vs. Mavericks NBA Picks, Stats for PrizePicks Today
Here are three top Knicks vs. Mavericks picks to target on Wednesday. Key PrizePicks player projections are headlined by New York’s C/F and SG duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson, as well as Dallas F/C P.J. Washington.
Knicks C/F Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Mavericks Projection: 39.5 Pts+Rebs
- Towns averages 34.5 combined points and rebounds this season, but in his last five games, that figure is 37.6.
- The former No. 1 overall pick has topped 30 points twice in his last seven outings. He has double-digit rebounds in every game this season.
- Per NBARAPM, Towns’ shot usage (26.8) and points per 75 possessions (23.5) both rank in the 96th percentile.
- According to FantasyPros, the Mavericks allow the second-most points (26.36) and seventh-most rebounds (15.81) to the C position.
- No team surrenders more boards to opponents every game than Dallas at 61.9.
Knicks SG Jordan Clarkson vs. Mavericks Projection: 1.5 3PT Made
- Clarkson averages exactly 1.5 3-pointers made each game, doing so on 4.0 attempts.
- A slow start held Clarkson’s numbers back. Since the turn of the calendar to November, he’s canning 40% of his treys. He’s hit 2 or more in four of eight contests.
- Via databallr, Clarkson’s 10.8 3-point attempts per 100 put him in the 83rd percentile.
- Dallas ranks fourth in fewest 3-point tries faced each game (34.8), potentially opening the door for Clarkson and Co. to test their comfort zone.
Mavericks F/C P.J. Washington vs. Knicks Projection: 24.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- This season, Washington averages 24.8 points, rebounds, and assists. In his last six games, however, that PRA average is just 21.8.
- Washington’s relative true shooting percentage (32nd), self-rebounding clip (36th) and potential assists per 100 (42nd) all rank below the 50th percentile, per databallr.
- The anticipated returns of Lively and Gafford might leave Washington with fewer rebounding or on-ball opportunities.
- New York allows the sixth-lowest fantasy production to opposing PFs (43.59 points).
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Stick around with the Playbook for continued NBA coverage and analysis all season.
