Mavericks vs Raptors Pick, Prediction Today | Wednesday, Feb. 28

Here's everything you need to know about Mavericks vs. Raptors on Wednesday, Feb. 28 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

The Mavericks look to rebound against the Raptors after a heartbreaking loss to the Cavaliers on a Max Strus heave from half-court.

This is the second night of a back-to-back for Dallas, and it will take on a Toronto team that's starting a four-game homestand.

Let's get to our Mavericks vs. Raptors pick and prediction.

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The Mavericks have been dynamic this season when healthy, and they seem likely to return Dante Exum (knee) for this contest against the Raptors.

The main story of the season for Dallas has been Luka Doncic, who celebrates his 25th birthday tonight.

Luka is averaging an absurd 34.5 points, 9.6 assists and 8.8 rebounds per game on the season. and this matchup against the Raptors is one he should find some success in considering they have the fourth-worst defense in the NBA in February (121.1) and have been extremely fortunate to have a 5-6 record during the month.

Doncic's points line is high at 33.5; however, he should have no difficulty scoring on this porous Raptors defense.

The Mavericks have been one of the league's best in the month of February. They're 7-3 and are scoring an excellent 121.5 points per game to complement their +10.9 Net Rating over the same stretch.

Dallas is taking a clear step forward in the season's home stretch.

The Raptors have listed big man Jakob Poeltl (ankle) as questionable for tonight's contest. His absence would leave them extremely thin on the interior with Kelly Olynyk likely starting for them. This would negatively impact their already poor defense.

Toronto has been brutal since trading away OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam before the trade deadline. Over the last month, the Raptors have the third-worst point differential (-7.0), the 21st-ranked offense (114.1) and the 27th-ranked defense (121.1).

While they've had some flashes over their last four games and the offense doesn't look nearly as bad, it's due to playing two games against the Pacers, one against the Nets and one against the Hawks — all abysmal defensive teams.

The Raptors have found some success with Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes on the floor together this season; however, those lineups tank to a -6.2 point differential if Poeltl is off the floor, per Cleaning the Glass. His status will be important to monitor.

Regardless, though, the lineups with those three are positive, but only to a tune of +3.3, as they still struggle to find consistent offense.

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The Raptors have had some strong performances of late on the offensive end of the court, but their opponents have masked their deficiencies this season.

Although they have the rest advantage on paper, Dallas should come out motivated to bounce back after its tough loss last night while Toronto was getting its affairs settled at home.

The Mavs are 6-3 against the spread on no rest this season, while the Raptors are 6-8-1 ATS when they have a rest advantage. Dallas has the best players on the court, and if Poeltl misses this game, it will make it even easier for the Mavericks to score.

Pick: Mavericks -3