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Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions – Monday January 19, 2026
The Knicks get their annual MLK Day home showcase at Madison Square Garden, but they’re bringing frustration into it. New York’s slide has been ugly, and the offense has looked especially shaky late in games without a steady closer.
Dallas arrives with some momentum after handling Utah in a two-game set, and Klay Thompson’s recent shotmaking has changed the feel of their half-court possessions. The biggest variables are the status of Cooper Flagg for Dallas and Jalen Brunson for New York. If either sits, the handicap changes fast, and the market is already reflecting that uncertainty with a big Knicks number.
From a betting perspective, +10 is a lot in a game where New York’s recent form hasn’t justified separation, especially if Brunson is limited or out again.
Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks Odds
These are current betting lines, and bettors should monitor the latest NBA odds as availability news can tighten or stretch this spread before tip.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | +348 | +10.0 (-110) | O/U 230 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | -446 | -10.0 (-112) | O/U 230 (-110) |
Dallas Mavericks Betting Form
Dallas just showed it can keep scoring without Flagg because the spacing held and the ball didn’t stick. Thompson’s last two games were the clearest example: when he’s getting his feet set early in the clock, Dallas doesn’t have to over-dribble to create looks. That matters in this matchup because New York’s defense can be solid when it’s set, but it’s vulnerable when the opponent is decisive and the closeouts get stretched.
If Flagg returns, Dallas adds another layer of rim pressure and transition play that can punish a Knicks team that’s been a step slow in the second halves. If he doesn’t, the Mavs can still compete, but it becomes more dependent on perimeter efficiency and keeping turnovers down so New York isn’t living at the line and in early offense.
For recent results and game logs, check Dallas Mavericks stats and results. Availability is the key here: Dallas Mavericks injury report.
New York Knicks Betting Form
New York’s problem right now is that the margin has disappeared. They’re not consistently generating easy points, and late-game possessions have turned into rushed jumpers and stalled spacing. If Brunson sits again, the Knicks can still defend, but the half-court offense becomes far more predictable, and that’s a bad place to be when you’re laying double digits.
Josh Hart’s status matters too. He’s one of the few Knicks who can swing effort possessions with rebounds, loose balls, and transition pushes. When he’s out, New York’s “energy edge” fades, and the rotation can feel thin in the exact minutes where favorites typically extend leads.
For a deeper look at form and splits, use New York Knicks schedule and stats and track availability here: New York Knicks injury report.
Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks Matchup Breakdown
This game should be decided by possession quality more than raw pace. Dallas is comfortable playing through spacing and quick-trigger threes, and when Thompson is in rhythm it forces New York to chase shooters instead of loading up on the primary actions. The Knicks need to win the physical areas: defensive rebounding, free throws, and limiting Dallas’ clean catch-and-shoot looks.
On the New York side, it’s hard to trust their scoring margin without Brunson. If he plays, the Knicks can stabilize late possessions and punish switches. If he’s out or limited, New York has to manufacture offense through secondary creators, and that’s where Dallas can hang around because the Mavs don’t need a perfect defensive game to cover +10, they just need the Knicks to miss a few “must-have” shots when the lead is trying to grow.
The schedule angle tilts slightly toward New York’s legs since Dallas is traveling into the Garden, but both teams played Saturday and were off Sunday. The more important angle is minutes and role stability. If Flagg is back, Dallas’ rotation gets cleaner. If Brunson is out, New York’s gets messier. If you want a framework for how these availability swings hit sides and totals, the NBA betting guide is a useful reference.
Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks Predictions and Best Bets
My lean is Dallas +10. New York hasn’t been playing like a team that should be laying double digits to a competent opponent, and the current version of the Mavericks has enough shotmaking to survive the Knicks’ runs. Thompson’s recent form matters because it gives Dallas a real counterpunch when the Knicks try to tighten the screws defensively.
The biggest risk to the dog is a full-strength Brunson plus a Knicks “statement” effort early, where Dallas falls behind and spends the whole game chasing. But even in that script, +10 leaves room for Dallas to cover if the Knicks’ late-game offense remains shaky or if the bench minutes drift.
I’m also looking under 230 as a secondary lean if Brunson is limited or out. New York’s recent late-game droughts aren’t a fluke, and Dallas can be comfortable slowing into half-court possessions if it keeps them out of live-ball turnovers. Still, the cleaner wager is the spread because the total can get weird with foul variance late.
Best Bet: Dallas Mavericks +10.0 (-110)
NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re building a full slate card, start with the NBA picks page to compare sides and totals across the board, then cross-check matchup context in the NBA previews hub so you’re not betting a number in a vacuum.
If you want to lean on proven track records, the best handicappers section and the handicapper leaderboard make it easy to see who’s producing over time, and you can find packaged plays at buy picks.
For broader team trend work across the league, the NBA teams hub keeps schedules and results centralized, and the Expert Betting Guide is a solid process check when you’re pressure-testing spreads, totals, and market movement.
