Mavericks vs Warriors prediction, odds, key players to watch in NBA Cup group play

Klay Thompson returns to Golden State on Tuesday night when the Dallas Mavericks take on Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in NBA Cup group play.

After winning four titles at Golden State, Thompson signed with Dallas this offseason, reshaping the Warriors’ roster in the process. The move was executed as a “sign-and-trade” that helped the Warriors sign Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield – two key players for them this season.

Golden State got off to a fast start at 8-2 and upset the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Dallas lost its second straight game on Sunday, trailing 5-5.

It should be an emotional night for Warriors fans and Thompson, but who will win?

I have a breakdown of the odds, players to watch, and my prediction for this NBA Cup showdown.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Money line

In total

Mavs injury report

Warriors injury report

Dallas Mavericks

Klay Thompson: The four-time champion got off to a bit of a slow start in Dallas, scoring just 8 of 26 goals in his last two games. Overall, he is averaging 13.8 points per game while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three. Can he have a big game in front of the Golden State crowd?

Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry: An ankle injury cost Curry a few games early this season, but he turned in a top-notch Steph performance in Sunday’s win over OKC. Curry had 36 points and made 7 of 13 shots from long range in the win. Overall, he is averaging 22.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 43.5 percent from 3 assists this season.

Golden State’s defense has been a key player so far, ranking fourth in the NBA through its first 10 games.

Even if the Warriors don’t have a standout All-NBA defender, Gary Payton II, Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton and others give Golden State plenty of options to defend other guards and wings – like Doncic, Irving and Thompson on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Mavs have been without two key rotation pieces in PJ Washington (doubtful for this game) and Dereck Lively II (upgraded to questionable for this game).

Dallas has lost two games in a row and is just 1-2 on the road, for an overall spread of 4-5-1. The Warriors are now 8-2 against the team and 2-1 ATS at home, perhaps showing that this start is no fluke since they have won so often on the road.

This will be an emotional game for Thompson and the Warriors fans, but I think Golden State spoils its return – especially if Lively doesn’t play.

Pick: Warriors Moneyline (-142)

Odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Deweys NBA betting record here (Futures included). You can also follow my daily pieces on BetStamp here.