Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto-raptors Picks and Predictions October 26th 2025

Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Preview: Mavericks on Verge of Worst Start in 8 Years

The Dallas Mavericks return home searching for their first win of the season when they host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the American Airlines Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET.

Dallas is off to a troubling 0-2 start for the first time since 2017 after suffering losses to the Spurs and Wizards. Head coach Jason Kidd remains optimistic but emphasized urgency heading into Sunday’s matchup. Toronto, led by Darko Rajakovic, sits at 1-1 after a blowout win over Atlanta and a close loss to Milwaukee.

Stay on top of current moneyline movement and totals via the NBA odds and scores page.

Line Movement and Betting Odds

The Mavericks are slight home favorites at -1.5, while the Raptors are +1.5 underdogs. Dallas holds a -120 moneyline, with Toronto at +100. The total is set at 230.5.

Early action has leaned toward the over, reflecting both teams’ up-tempo styles and defensive lapses. For model projections, expert trends, and daily consensus plays, visit the NBA picks section.

Matchup Breakdown

The Mavericks’ 0-2 start has been marked by defensive struggles and inconsistency in scoring without Kyrie Irving. Rookie Cooper Flagg has shown promise, averaging 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds, while veteran Anthony Davis leads the team with 24.5 points and 13 rebounds per game. Despite solid individual performances, Dallas has allowed 121 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league.

Head coach Jason Kidd stressed patience as the new roster adjusts. The Mavericks have the 10th-most possessions per game, showing pace, but poor execution late in games has cost them.

The Raptors, meanwhile, enter the matchup with strong offensive rhythm. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett lead the team with 22.5 points per game apiece, while Scottie Barnes adds balance with playmaking and rebounding. Toronto ranks sixth in the league in scoring (127 PPG) and third in field goal percentage (53.3%). The Raptors’ uptempo approach, ranking second in possessions per game, makes them a threat in transition.

Explore how both teams fit into early conference projections in the NBA Eastern Conference odds and predictions and NBA Western Conference odds and predictions.

Key Storylines

Dallas’ Urgency and Adjustment Period
After trading Luka Doncic last February, Dallas remains in search of a new offensive identity. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis must shoulder the scoring load. The Mavericks haven’t started 0-3 since the 2016-17 season — a stat they’re desperate to avoid.

Toronto’s Fast-Paced Offense
The Raptors’ attack has flourished behind Ingram and Barrett’s efficiency. They’ve posted 138 points in a game already this season and rank among the top teams in shooting percentage. If they maintain their tempo and floor spacing, they could exploit Dallas’ defensive inconsistencies.

Quickley’s Three-Point Struggles
Immanuel Quickley is off to a slow start from beyond the arc (1-for-11), but coach Rajakovic insists he keep shooting. His ability to stretch defenses could be the X-factor for Toronto against a Mavericks team allowing high-percentage looks.

Get detailed player futures like Barrett and Davis in the NBA Most Improved Player odds and predictions and NBA MVP odds and predictions.

Injury Report

Toronto Raptors

• Jakob Poeltl (ankle) – questionable
• Gradey Dick (shoulder) – out

Dallas Mavericks

• Kyrie Irving (illness) – out
• Josh Green (foot) – day-to-day

For division updates and injury tracking, check the NBA Southwest Division odds and predictions.

Prediction

Both teams have clear offensive weapons, but Toronto’s chemistry and scoring depth make them a live underdog. Dallas’ defense remains a liability until proven otherwise, and the Raptors’ shooting efficiency could tilt this matchup in their favor.

Projected Score: Toronto Raptors 125, Dallas Mavericks 110
Best Bet: Raptors +1.5
Secondary Lean: Over 230.5

Access full team stats, possessions pace, and betting models in the NBA Expert Betting Guide.

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