Bodog Beat

Jason Kidd and the Mavericks take on the Nuggets in Denver tonight. (AP Images)

The rough-and-tumble Denver Nuggets were quicker, stronger, tougher and much more athletic than the Dallas Mavericks in the opener of their second-round series.

The Nuggets forced 20 turnovers in Game 1, outshot the Mavericks 36-13 from the foul line, outhustled them 29-4 on fast break points, and outmuscled them 58-30 in the paint.

So, Nuggets coach George Karl is expecting the Mavericks to tighten the screws in other areas in Game 2 tonight.

The Mavs will be limited thanks to Josh Howard, who is now playing on two sprained ankles that affect his cutting ability.
               
Can Dallas match the aggression of the Nuggets while still playing their style of basketball? Falling into the trap of trying to match the rough play of the Nuggets will most likely give Denver more of an advantage.

The 6.5-point underdog Mavericks are only 1-8 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Nuggets.

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