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Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
Houston arrives in Dallas playing its most efficient basketball of the season. The Rockets have won four straight and opened a road-heavy stretch with a dominant win in Brooklyn. Ball movement has driven the surge, with six players scoring at least 14 points Thursday and Kevin Durant functioning as both scorer and facilitator.
Dallas enters heading the opposite direction. The Mavericks have dropped four straight and continue to struggle defensively, especially inside. Anthony Davis returned Thursday, but Dallas again allowed heavy interior scoring and could not slow Philadelphia late. Rookie Cooper Flagg continues to shoulder a major offensive load as injuries reshape the rotation.
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Every Sharp Move, Every Capper, All Sports
Track professional picks, line steam, and market swings in real time.
Line Movement and Odds
Houston opened -2 and has been bet up to -3.5 as money continues to fade Dallas during its losing streak. The Rockets are drawing sharper support based on recent efficiency and matchup advantages.
The total opened at 231 and climbed to 233.5. Market movement reflects Houston’s pace and scoring consistency combined with Dallas’ defensive struggles. Moneyline pricing now favors Houston despite playing on the road.
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Matchup Breakdown
Houston’s edge is offensive balance. Durant and Alperen Sengun command defensive attention, while Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. punish rotations. The Rockets are decisive when doubles come and rank near the top of the league in shooting efficiency during this stretch.
Dallas remains vulnerable in the paint. The Mavericks allow the most made two-point field goals in the NBA, and frontcourt injuries have forced constant lineup adjustments. Davis gives them a chance to stabilize, but interior defense remains a problem when he sits or is limited.
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Injuries and Conditions
Houston Rockets
- Fred VanVleet, hamstring, probable
- Tari Eason, knee, probable
See full Houston Rockets injury report.
Dallas Mavericks
- Anthony Davis, foot management, probable
- Daniel Gafford, ankle, probable
- Dereck Lively II, foot, out
See full Dallas Mavericks injury report.
This game is indoors. No weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
Houston’s spacing, ball movement, and interior efficiency line up well against a Dallas defense still searching for answers. The Mavericks can score, but their inability to protect the paint continues to show up against disciplined offenses.
Projected Score: Rockets 121, Mavericks 114
Best Bet: Rockets -3.5
Secondary Lean: Over 233.5
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