NBA PLAYOFF TIPS: HEAT TO PREVAIL OVER TIRED DALLAS -- Recommended Wagers

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Dirk Nowitzki has been carrying Dallas throughout this series but does the great man have another big effort in the tank? Nick Shiambouros says no

The Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat 86-83 on Tuesday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The Mavs looked in real trouble early in the fourth quarter when they trailed by nine points. The great Dirk Nowitzki refused to throw in the towel and led his team on a 22-5 run to secure a historic victory. It was later revealed that Nowitzki played the entire game with a 100 degree temperature due to a sinus infection. He looked dreadful in the post-game interview but insisted he will be ready for Game 5 on Thursday.

The Heat looked to be in control for most of the game but failed to put Dallas away for the second time in these playoffs and this epic series is now tied at two games a piece.



The Mavericks have done an outstanding job in this series and have refused to buckle under intense pressure.

It is to Dallas' credit that the Heat will start Thursday night's game with a measure of doubt as this resilient Maverick rotation refuses to go away.

This pivotal game will be hotly contested but I think Miami will prevail. I don't know how many more comebacks Nowitzki has left in him. He is working extremely hard and has not had a great deal of help from the rest of the rotation. He was physically and mentally drained at the end of Game 4 and is clearly feeling the effects of this gruelling series.

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