Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions October 29th 2025

Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers Game Preview

The Dallas Mavericks return home to face the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET. Both teams are off to disappointing starts — the Mavericks at 1-3 and the Pacers still winless at 0-3 — making this matchup an early-season gut check for two injury-riddled squads.

Dallas has struggled to find consistency without Kyrie Irving and is dealing with another concern after rookie Cooper Flagg injured his shoulder in Monday’s loss to Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, the Pacers are limping through a three-game road trip without Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, or Obi Toppin, leaving head coach Rick Carlisle searching for healthy contributors.

Line Movement and Odds

• Spread: Mavericks -8.0 (-107), Pacers +8.0 (-114)
• Moneyline: Mavericks -320, Pacers +260
• Total: 228.0 (Over/Under)

You can find real-time market updates on the NBA odds page and verified expert picks in the NBA picks section.

Indiana Pacers Outlook

The Pacers’ injury list reads like a starting lineup. Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) has yet to make his season debut, Bennedict Mathurin is week-to-week with a toe sprain, and forward Obi Toppin will miss at least a month with hamstring soreness. The absences have left Indiana relying heavily on Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith, who combined for 51 points in the 114-110 loss to Minnesota on Sunday.

Indiana’s pace remains their best weapon. They rank first in the league in possessions per game (107.2) and second in field goal attempts, showing they can still generate volume scoring despite limited personnel. However, their defensive issues — allowing 127.7 points per game — have turned fast-paced games into shootouts they can’t finish.

With newly signed guard Mac McClung joining the rotation, Carlisle hopes to stabilize the backcourt. But without Haliburton’s playmaking, Indiana’s offense lacks structure late in games, a factor that has cost them all three losses by single-digit margins.

Injury Report

• Tyrese Haliburton (G) – Out, Achilles
• Bennedict Mathurin (G/F) – Out, Toe
• Andrew Nembhard (G) – Out, Shoulder
• Obi Toppin (F) – Out, Hamstring
• Jarace Walker (F) – Probable, Ankle

Dallas Mavericks Outlook

Dallas enters the matchup looking to get back on track offensively after a frustrating 101-94 loss to Oklahoma City. Cooper Flagg struggled through the shoulder injury, finishing just 1-of-9 from the floor, while Anthony Davis led the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mavericks have shown flashes of potential, like their 139-129 win over Toronto when they shot nearly 59% from the field. However, inconsistency and turnovers continue to plague them — particularly without Kyrie Irving, who is expected to be sidelined until early 2026.

Jason Kidd is still experimenting with his rotations, using D’Angelo Russell and Jaden Hardy off the bench to inject energy into the offense. Russell’s 10 assists on Monday were encouraging, but Dallas needs stronger perimeter defense and ball security to avoid falling behind early — something that’s happened in three of their four games.

Injury Report

• Kyrie Irving (G) – Out, ACL
• Cooper Flagg (F) – Questionable, Shoulder
• Dwight Powell (C) – Out, Knee
• Dereck Lively II (C) – Probable, Back Tightness

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The Mavericks’ frontcourt depth, anchored by Anthony Davis, could be the difference against a depleted Pacers lineup missing Obi Toppin and James Wiseman. Dallas’ size advantage inside should create mismatches, especially if Flagg is cleared to play.

Indiana will need Pascal Siakam to carry the load again while getting contributions from Nesmith and McClung. To stay close, they must push the pace, attack the rim, and hope Dallas’ defense — which allows 118 points per game — continues to struggle.

Betting Trends

• Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as road underdogs.
• Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
• The Over has hit in 6 of the Pacers’ last 8 games.
• Mavericks are 5-2 to the Over in their last 7 at home.

Prediction

Injury attrition makes this a tricky matchup, but Dallas’ depth and home advantage give them a clear edge. Indiana’s tempo could keep things competitive, but the Mavericks’ efficiency inside and late-game shot creation should prevail.

Projected Score: Mavericks 115, Pacers 110
Best Bet: Pacers +8.0 (-114)
Total Lean: Over 228 (-110)

For verified insights and daily expert selections, check the NBA expert betting guide and the handicappers leaderboard.