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Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets look to extend their winning streak when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night at Toyota Center. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET on SCHN.
Houston enters 3-2 after hammering Boston 128-101, while Dallas sits at 2-4 following a fourth-quarter collapse in Mexico City against Detroit. The Rockets’ offensive rhythm has arrived early, with Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun driving the NBA’s top-rated offense.
The Mavericks remain short-handed and vulnerable in the paint, a poor combination against a Houston team that leads the league in three-point shooting and offensive efficiency.
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Line Movement and Odds
As of Monday morning, the Rockets are -12.5 favorites (-112) with a total of 225.5. The Mavericks sit at +492 on the moneyline, while Houston is listed at -693.
The line opened at -11.5 before sharp money pushed it toward the home side. The public action has been evenly split, but professional bettors favor Houston to cover given Dallas’ injury issues and lack of rim protection.
Compare live odds anytime on the NBA odds board
Matchup Breakdown
Rockets Outlook
Houston’s offense is clicking on every level. They lead the NBA in offensive rating (127.8) and three-point shooting (45.4%) through five games. Kevin Durant is averaging 27.2 points per game with a 60.9% effective field goal rate, and Alperen Sengun continues to anchor the paint with elite passing vision.
The Rockets rank top five in effective field goal percentage and rebounding. With Sengun commanding double-teams, open perimeter looks are frequent and efficient.
Mavericks Outlook
Dallas’ issues stem from injuries and interior defense. Against Detroit, the Mavericks allowed 72 paint points and lost the rebound battle decisively. D’Angelo Russell’s 31-point effort was the lone bright spot in an otherwise stagnant offensive night.
The Mavericks still get to the line effectively, ranking fifth in free throws made and attempted. If they can slow Houston’s pace and win at the stripe, they could stay inside the number.
For historical team data, visit the Houston Rockets team page and Dallas Mavericks team page
Injuries and Conditions
Houston Rockets
- Kevin Durant – Probable (rest)
- Alperen Sengun – Probable (ankle)
- Jalen Green – Day-to-day (hamstring)
Dallas Mavericks
- Kyrie Irving – Out (knee)
- Anthony Davis – Doubtful (calf)
- Dereck Lively II – Out (knee)
- Dante Exum – Out (knee)
Track updates on the Rockets injury report and Mavericks injury report
This is an indoor game, so weather won’t affect play.
Best Bets and Prediction
Houston’s size and spacing create a major mismatch against a short-handed Dallas lineup. The Mavericks’ 1-5 ATS record in their last six away games underscores their struggles to keep up defensively.
Projection: Rockets 126, Mavericks 111
Best Bet: Rockets -12.5
Secondary Lean: Over 225.5
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