Dallas (57-25, 43-37-2 ATS) is riding a four-game winning streak, including four straight wins against the spread. The Mavericks absolutely crushed New Orleans in their regular-season finale, winning 121-89.

The Mavericks are about as streaky as any team in the NBA. Before their current four-game winning streak, they were riding a four-game losing streak. Before that, a five-game winning streak. Dallas has 10 streaks this season of three or more wins or losses.

The club has soldiered on without Caron Butler since Jan. 1. Butler tore up his knee, costing Dallas one of its major scoring options. Without him, Jason Terry has stepped up to become the Mavs’ second-leading scorer. Ultimately, though, the team will need monster games from Dirk Nowitzki. There just isn’t enough scoring talent on Dallas to contend unless Nowitzki is at his absolute best—which he has been for most of the season.

Portland (48-34, 43-35-4 ATS) had won three consecutive games straight up and against the spread before losing its regular-season finale, a 110-86 loss to Golden State. The loss was meaningless, though, as the Blazers rested five of their top eight players to get some rest.

The Blazers have a fantastic eight-man rotation, including LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Marcus Camby and Gerald Wallace. The X-factor, though, could be Brandon Roy. Roy was viewed as Portland’s franchise player as recently as last year, but knee injuries have slowed him down considerably. If Roy can summon some extra energy during the postseason, Portland will be a force to be reckoned with.

Dallas and Portland split their four games during the regular season—though Portland went 3-1 against the spread.

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