NBA Bet of the Day: LaVine and Doncic face off in Dallas

Chicago Bulls @ Dallas Mavericks/a>
Sunday, 20:00 GMT
Live on Sky Sports Arena

Doncic for MVP

The Mavericks four game winning streak came to an end with a loss to the Bucks, but they will not be too disheartened by a road loss to one of the best teams in the league. Kristaps Porzingis' return has been a big boost for the offence that hasn't quite loved up to last season just yet. But Luka Doncic is the man that really makes this team go. The MVP favourite is averaging just short of a triple double, including 27.5 points per game.

Depth was an issue against the Bucks and it could be again here. Tim Hardaway Jr. is listed as questionable and he would be a big loss. They are also without a number of players due to COVID protocols and while they do not affect the line up too much, it just puts more pressure on Doncic and Porzingis.

LaVine on fire

The Bulls are on a four game losing streak but that does not tell the whole story. They have not lost any of those games by more than four points and that includes games with the Lakers and Clippers.

The Chicago offence has done very well, and Zach LaVine in particular has been superb so far and he will fancy this matchup going toe to toe with Doncic. But it is defensively where Chicago have struggled. They have shown that they can keep up with even the best offences, but when it really matters they just can't hold their opponents out.

Take the Bulls against the spread

This should be a fun game with two teams really going at it. LaVine has put up points against the best defences in the league and even with Dallas' improvements on the defensive end he should get his points. But like in those last four games, the defence will just not have enough to keep out the excellent Mavericks. However, seven is a big spread and Chicago can keep this one close so take the Bulls and the points.