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Washington Wizards vs Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards enter Friday night both searching for their first win of the young NBA season.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center, airing live on KFAA.
This game has more intrigue than the standings suggest — Dallas rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, the youngest player to start an NBA game since LeBron James, will make his second career appearance, while Washington continues its rebuild under Brian Keefe with a young core led by Kyshawn George.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened Dallas as heavy home favorites after Washington’s defensive collapse in Milwaukee, but early sharp money has trickled toward the Wizards following Flagg’s uneven debut.
Current Odds:
- Mavericks Moneyline: -480
- Wizards Moneyline: +365
- Spread: Mavericks -10.5 (-110) / Wizards +10.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 230.5 (-110)
Track real-time lines and totals on the NBA scores and odds page.
The Wizards Can Win If…
The Washington Wizards showed flashes of offensive rhythm in their 133-120 loss to Milwaukee, but slow starts remain their undoing. The Bucks jumped out to a 40–23 first-quarter lead before Washington clawed back behind Kyshawn George’s 21 points and nine rebounds.
Coach Brian Keefe emphasized mindset over tactics afterward:
“We made a mindset shift at the half and saw what we’re capable of. But you can’t start games like that. It’s hard to keep up.”
Washington’s shooting stats show why they can’t be ignored offensively:
- 3rd in three-pointers made per game
- 7th in three-point percentage (38%)
- Top 10 in total field goal attempts
The Wizards’ uptempo style creates plenty of looks, but they must improve defensively after giving up 133 points on 56% shooting to Milwaukee. If they can avoid falling behind early, their spacing and volume shooting can make this game uncomfortable for Dallas.
For more offensive breakdowns and player metrics, check the NBA teams section.
The Mavericks Can Win If…
The Dallas Mavericks were exposed in their 125-92 loss to the Spurs, particularly in the paint, where they were outscored 68-26 and outrebounded 50-37. But the bigger story was Cooper Flagg’s debut — a solid but cautious 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that showed his poise and floor sense even in defeat.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined (ACL), Jason Kidd has handed Flagg the keys as primary ballhandler. Kidd praised his maturity:
“He’s one who’s not going to shoot it every time he touches it. He tries to play the game the right way. As a rookie, he’ll learn from this.”
Anthony Davis led Dallas with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while P.J. Washington added 17 on 63% shooting. The Mavs need better interior discipline and more ball movement — Davis called out the team’s “isolated basketball” after the loss.
Dallas ranks 3rd in the NBA in three-point percentage (42.9%), and their spacing could overwhelm a Washington defense that’s still finding chemistry. Playing at home in front of a crowd eager to see Flagg’s bounce-back performance, expect Dallas to emphasize tempo and movement early.
For team shooting data and matchup analytics, see the NBA expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
- Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games.
- Mavericks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games as favorites of 8+.
- The Over has hit in six of Washington’s last eight games.
- Dallas is 8-2 straight up in their last 10 home games vs. Eastern Conference teams.
- Anthony Davis has recorded 10+ rebounds in eight straight home games.
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Prediction and Analysis
Washington can score — but they don’t defend. Dallas has a clear talent edge, but the Mavericks’ youth movement and lack of interior toughness make them unpredictable. Expect Cooper Flagg to play with more aggression, while Anthony Davis anchors both ends of the floor.
Still, 10.5 points is steep for a Mavericks team still developing chemistry and missing Kyrie Irving. The Wizards’ fast-paced offense and ability to hit the three should keep this closer than expected.
Projected Score: Mavericks 120, Wizards 115
Best Bet: Wizards +10.5 (-110)
Total Lean: Over 230.5 (-110)
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