Washington at Dallas

The Wizards had the second-worst defense in the NBA last season, giving up 120.4 points per game. Their lack of defense was on full display against the Bucks in their season opener two days ago in a 133-120 defeat. Washington struggled to defend the paint against Milwaukee. That flaw will be a major weakness against the taller, more physical Mavericks. It will be magnified even worse if Dallas center Daniel Gafford can play after missing the Mavericks' opening game because of a right ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable. The Mavericks should be highly focused here after they laid an egg in their opener at home two days ago, losing 125-92 to the Spurs as 3-point favorites. The Mavericks shot just 37 percent from the field and were outrebounded, 50–37. They couldn't stop Victor Wembanyama. Dallas should shoot much better here, and they certainly don't have to worry about Washington having anyone within miles of Wembanyama's skills. Star rookie Cooper Flagg should get better with each game, too, for Dallas. Not only are the Wizards in a complete rebuild, but they are terrible against the spread. They went 34-47-1 ATS last season for 42 percent and are 0-1 ATS this season. Take the Mavericks.