The Dallas Mavericks (3-1) welcome the Houston Rockets (2-2) to American Airlines Center Thursday. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Mavs won 3 of 4 games in 2023-24
The Rockets beat the San Antonio Spurs 106-101 Monday, closing as a 2.5-point favorite. They have traded off both winning and losing and covering and failing to cover in their first 4 games. Houston is 1-1 against the spread (ATS) on the road, having only played away games against the Spurs. It has yet to be an underdog this season. The Rockets are led by G Jalen Green, who is averaging 28.8 points per game (PPG).
The Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road 120-114 Tuesday in their second night of back-to-back games. They beat the Utah Jazz by 8 at home prior, respectively closing as a 4-point underdog and 12-point favorite. Dallas is 2-2 ATS and 1-1 ATS at home. All three of its wins have come by at least 8 points. The Mavericks are led by G Luka Doncic, who is averaging 26.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists per game.
Rockets at Mavericks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:33 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Mavericks -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +5.5 (-110) | Mavericks -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Rockets at Mavericks key injuries
Rockets
- C Steven Adams (knee) questionable
Mavericks
- G Dante Exum (wrist) out
- F Maxi Kleber (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Rockets at Mavericks picks and predictions
Prediction
Mavericks 115, Rockets 106
Moneyline
PASS.
The Mavericks (-225) as a home favorite are just too expensive to play here. They are 2-0 at home with an 8-point win over the Jazz and an 11-point win over the Spurs. Dallas should win but are unplayable on the moneyline.
Against the spread
BET MAVERICKS -5.5 (-110).
The Mavericks are playing at a high level on both sides of the court, and the Rockets may find it difficult to exploit Doncic defensively with their undersized guards. Dallas has the 9th-best net rating.
While Houston’s is better, the Rockets have yet to play against a team that made the playoffs last season and have still lost 2 of their first 4 games. They’ve struggled against teams with elite guards like Chicago Bulls G Lonzo Ball, who dropped 34 on the Rockets in their first game of the season.
Given the Mavericks’ strong backcourt and style of play, expect them to come out on top by a significant margin. Back MAVERICKS -5.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 227.5 (-110).
When it comes to scoring and hitting the Over, teams need to play fast. Neither of these do that and both have played well defensively. The Rockets sit 25th in pace while the Mavericks are 18th.
Both teams rank in the top 10 in defensive rating as well. The Rockets are 1-3 O/U this season while being 0-2 O/U on the road. Considering those trends, take UNDER 227.5 (-110).
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