Dallas Mavericks Season Preview & Betting Odds for 2023-24 Season

In February, the Dallas Mavericks were a strong contender in the Western Conference with a record of 31 wins and 26 losses. Their acquisition of 8-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving just before the trade deadline just added to the excitement. However, their season took a dramatic downturn as they went 7-18 in the latter part of the season. This downward spiral led to their elimination from playoff contention on April 7, 2023, following a heart-wrenching 112-115 loss against the Chicago Bulls. In the aftermath, the Mavericks faced a $750,000 fine for a controversial strategy of theirs. They were accused of tanking, deliberately underperforming, to improve their chances of retaining a protected top 10 draft pick.

This turn of events added a bitter note to their season, leaving both the team and their fans with mixed emotions. Despite their early promise and the exciting acquisition of Irving, the Mavericks found themselves on the outside looking in as the playoffs went on without them, a lot different from their previous playoff-bound seasons.

Taking an objective view, the Dallas Mavericks’ offseason, while lacking a big-name acquisition, without a doubt was an improvement to their roster compared to the previous season. This progress is most evident in their strategic signings. 

The acquisition of Grant Williams, in particular, stands out as an amazing move. Although there may be reservations about his readiness to become a full-time starter, his track record in Boston is proof of his potential. The Mavericks secured him with a reasonable four-year, $54 million deal, making it a fair investment. Williams is expected to play a crucial role as a versatile 3-and-D wing, a role that could prove crucial to the team’s success. 

The addition of Seth Curry also has the potential to yield substantial returns for the Mavericks. He brings depth to the backcourt and offers a valuable safety net, especially with the presence of Kyrie Irving. While he may not be a permanent fixture in the starting lineup, Curry’s ability to make an impact in crucial moments should not be underestimated at all. In fact, it’s one of the more under-the-radar moves made during the offseason by any team. 

The Mavericks have indeed had a commendable offseason as they look to elevate the supporting cast around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, as is often the case, some decisions might raise questions over time. The three-year contract extension for Kyrie Irving, while necessary in the context of their initial trade, carries a significant financial commitment that could be reevaluated as time progresses.

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2023-24 season’s fate is pretty much tied to their backcourt’s performance. They boast a talented squad which has all the potential to become one of the elite. The team currently holds the ninth-best odds for an NBA Championship victory. A reasonable expectation is a 46-36 regular-season record, likely securing them the 6th seed in the rankings.

2023-24 Dallas Mavericks Odds

by BetUS

NBA Champs +2500

Conference Champs +1200

Division Champs +175