Now that we've all survived 24 hours since the Ben Simmons pass heard 'round the world, it's time to move on and talk about the Brooklyn Nets getting their ...
[notable basketball connoisseur Shannon Sharpe](https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe/status/1585451344894210048) (?) that he is not afraid to shoot the basketball. Even if the Nets weren’t on the second night of a back-to-back, it’s a dangerous matchup. Offensively, the Mavericks have just been a nightmare to guard, with the highest offensive rating in the league thus far. On Thursday night the Nets welcome Luka Doncic to Barclays Center where they’ll hope to slow down the league’s top offense (122.6 ORTG). One would imagine it is some combination of Simmons and Royce O’Neale defending Doncic, unafraid to switch Nic Claxton onto him if there is a screen set by Wood. Whereas Dallas’ attack last season was largely a my-turn, your-turn (but mostly my turn) situation with Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie alongside Doncic, he and Wood have developed a real two-man game.
In short, the Nets stink. Their iso-heavy brand of basketball is predictable and overly relies on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving's ability to hit a high ...
He should tally his highest minute total thus far and his ability to hit pick-and-pop 3s will be huge. He will get to his spots and shoot over the top of you. The other players to watch will be Kyrie Irving and Christian Wood. At the very least, if he can score on Simmons in the post, it could force the Nets to send a second defender and that could lead to cleaner looks for our offense. The problem will come if the help doesn't come and the Nets are comfortable leaving Simmons on an island. And yet, fans should still be weary because of the fact that Kevin Durant is still a top 5ish basketball player on the planet and capable of rendering your defensive schemes useless.
NBA odds, picks, and predictions for the Dallas Mavericks at Brooklyn Nets on October 27. NBA betting best bet and free pick analysis.
[Christian Wood](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/10661/christian-wood) and [JaVale McGee](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/2000/javale-mcgee) into the front-court rotation, particularly as Wood gives opposing offenses a new player to target in the pick-and-roll outside of [Luka Doncic](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/17457/luka-doncic). This game should be an offensive showcase due to the otherworldly scoring and playmaking talent on hand. Most of that rating was earned as the Mavs ran up the score against a depleted Memphis Grizzlies team on the heels of a grueling back-to-back. The Mavericks are the No.1 offense in the NBA through three games, posting a 121.2 offensive rating. His rate of scoring at the rim has fallen dramatically since his Achilles injury, and his tired legs are likely to impact his game more than they might have in the past. [NBA odds](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/odds) have seen line movement from as much as Mavericks +2.5 to -2.5. While the Mavericks might be a one tricky pony, at least their trick is damn impressive. That’s all contributed to a lackluster 1-3 record against the spread this season. First and foremost, is the play of Simmons two years ago might have been the perfect defensive foil for Doncic, but in the current incarnation, he’ll be lucky to stay on the court through three quarters. With both the Mavericks and the Nets still searching for their second win, neither team can be particularly thrilled with the way the season has started. Tonight’s premier NBA matchup is a showdown between the 1-2 Dallas Mavericks and the 1-3 Brooklyn Nets.