Rockets vs. Mavericks Prediction and Odds

Tuesday night brings us some Southwest Division NBA action when the Houston Rockets head to Dallas to battle the Mavericks. 

The Rockets are going back to the drawing board this season and will not be the powerhouse team they once were. At least for a little while. So far to start the year, the Rockets are 1-2 with each game decided by double digits. They beat the Thunder by 33 but lost to the Timberwolves by 18 and the Celtics by 10. 

The Mavericks are an even 1-1 to start to the year with a win over the Raptors after dropping their season debut against the Hawks. That opening night loss was brutal as the Mavs fell by 26 points as 2.5 underdogs in ATL. This will be the Mavericks’ first home game of the season. Here are the odds for the matchup courtesy of WynnBET: 

Rockets vs. Mavericks Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Rockets: +10.5 (-110)
• Mavericks: -10.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Rockets: +450
• Mavericks: -600

Total: 

• 221.0 (Over -110/Under -110)

Rockets vs. Mavericks Prediction and Pick

This early into the season it’s hard to trust any betting trends, especially those dating back to last season. What I do trust is the “eye test” and the Rockets passed that with flying colors after dominating the Oklahoma City Thunder. While OKC is no powerhouse this year, a 33-point win this early in the season is a good sign. They have an opportunity tonight to bounce back after dropping a game to the Celtics at home on Sunday. But, even in that game, there were positive signs. 

Jalen Green dropped eight three-pointers on Boston to lead the team in points with 30. Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Woods added a combined 35 points. While HOU did only shoot 42 percent from the field, they were able to get out in front of Boston before falling apart in the third quarter and getting lit up behind the arc by the Celtics. 

The Mavericks have a little momentum heading into this game, coming off their first win o the season aver the Raptors 103-95 on Sunday. Led by Luka Doncic with 27-points, nine rebounds, and a dozen assists, the team managed to rebound from another slow start to earn the win. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 25 while Kristaps Porzingis managed a double-double with 18-points and ten rebounds. 

In what was a very positive sign for the Mavs, who lacked on defense last season, they held the Raptors to just 44 points after halftime and finished strong on both ends of the court. 

Despite this, I will need to see more consistency from Dallas’ defensive game and therefore will be siding with Houston to keep it close and cover this double-digit spread. 

Prediction: Houston Rockets +10.5 (-110)