Preakness betting players know the importance of a good thoroughbred, and Dallas has that in Nowitzki. The problem is, they don’t have much else, and that will hurt them tonight in Denver.

Mavericks vs Nuggets odds – May 13, 9:00 PM ET

The Mavericks only pulled out Game 4 because of a monster effort from Nowitzki, who had 44 in a 119-117 win at home. However, unless Josh Howard can shake off an ankle injury to score another 21 points and grab 11 boards, it could be a long night. The Nuggets are 10-point favorites at home according to NBA odds, and Denver will come out with fire because of their defensive performance in Game 4. A lot of that had to do with a missing Chris Andersen, who sat out the game with the flu, while Kenyon Martin was a mess due to his mom getting harassed in the stands. Carmelo Anthony’s girlfriend also had some problems and was ejected from the building in Game 4, so the Nuggets will have revenge on their mind. This could be a blowout.

Basketball betting pick: Denver to cover

-Looking at those boxing odds? Pac-Man will knock out Hatton by the fifth round on Saturday night.

-This Chicago-Boston series has been the best thing for the NBA since…..shoot, I don’t even know. I thought about the Warriors-Mavericks series of ’06, but that was more for the upset factor. Six games, five decided by three points or less, four overtimes games, including Game 6′s triple-OT classic. Game 7 goes Saturday night in Boston, and the Celtics’ experience, homecourt advantage and the clutch shooting of Ray Allen will end the Bulls’ season. (basketball betting pick: Boston outright, not to cover the 6.5-point spread)

-Thanks Philly, for making me look stupid last night. No Dwight Howard, no Courtney Lee, on homecourt, and you lose by 25? You deserved to get booed.

-Dallas and Denver open up their series on Sunday afternoon in Denver, and the Mavericks won’t have anything for the Nuggets on the road. It won’t be a blowout, but…..(basketball betting pick: Denver to cover the 5.5-point spread)

-Tonight should mark the end of the Heat’s season. Dwayne Wade is obviously hurting with a back injury, and without him at less than 100%, Miami doesn’t stand a chance. (basketball betting pick: Atlanta as a 5-point underdog)

Alright, here are my NBA betting picks for the rest of the major NBA individual awards to be handed out before the playoff action starts.

Coach of the Year

Gregg Popovich has done a superb job at guiding the Spurs to 50+ wins for the 10th straight year, despite injuries to Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker throughout the season. Some take the Spurs for granted, but this may have been Pop’s best coaching job. I mean, Matt Bonner starts for them and they’re still an NBA betting threat.

Sixth Man

Jason Terry wins this going away, and the only reason he’s not a starter is because Dallas needs bench scoring in the worst way. If the Mavericks want to have any sort of basketball betting chance in these playoffs, he’ll need to be even better.

Most Improved Player of the Year

This award boils down to Devin Harris and Danny Granger, and Granger gets it by the slimmest of margins. Both were All-Stars for garbage teams, but Granger had less help.  This is probably the close NBA betting call of all the awards, but Granger takes it.