Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction NBA Picks 1/3/25
Dallas Mavericks (20-14) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4)
Game Info: Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8:30 pm (American Airlines Center)
Betting Odds: Dallas Mavericks +6.5 / Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 --- Over/Under: 228.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks meet Friday in NBA action at the American Airlines Center. Here’s a Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction. This article will include a Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Warriors and Lakers, and they play the Hornets, Thunder, and Raptors next. The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 121.5 points on 50.4 percent shooting and allowing 110.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 23.7 points and 4.6 assists, while Darius Garland is averaging 20.5 points and 6.7 assists. Evan Mobley is the third double-digit scorer and Jarrett Allen is grabbing 10.1 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 39.9 percent from beyond the arc and 77.9 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 37.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Rockets and Kings, and they play the Grizzlies, Lakers, and Trail Blazers next. The Dallas Mavericks are averaging 116.6 points on 48.4 percent shooting and allowing 111.4 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is averaging 28.1 points and 7.8 assists, while Kyrie Irving is averaging 24.3 points and 4.6 rebounds. Klay Thompson is the third double-digit scorer and PJ Washington is grabbing 7.4 rebounds. The Dallas Mavericks are shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 77.2 percent from the free throw line. The Dallas Mavericks are allowing 35.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.6 rebounds per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
The Mavericks will be down Luka, Dante Exum, and Naji Marshall. Maxi Kleber and PJ Washington are questionable for the Mavericks. The Cavs will continue to be without Emoni Bates and Isaac Okoro. Sam Merrill is questionable for the Cavs with an ankle injury.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Mavericks have lost each of their last 10 night games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 10 night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the last seven games between the Cavaliers and Mavericks.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games at American Airlines Center against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
Dallas Mavericks Player Facts
- Klay Thompson ranks 12th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (3.9) this season.
- Spencer Dinwiddie ranks T30th amongst qualified players for FT% (87.1%) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Darius Garland ranks 5th amongst qualified players for FT% (90.9%) this season.
- Donovan Mitchell ranks 5th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (4.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Dallas Mavericks are one of only three teams to lose a home game against the Suns this season.
- The Mavericks rank 4th in the league for blocks per game this season (6.0).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q1 points per game this season (32.4).
- The Cavaliers rank T1st in the league for Q1 win percentage this season (69.7%).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks have lost 3 straight games and 4 of their last 5 games, and things likely aren't going to get better until they get healthy. It's hard to take the Mavs seriously when Luka is hurt. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 28-4 SU on the season and 23-9 ATS. As I've said countless times this year, you're sitting on a pile of cash just blindly backing the Cavs. Until that changes, you should probably keep doing it. With a cover percentage of 70.3 percent, only the Thunder are better at putting money in your pocket this season. I'll lay the points with the Cavs on the road.
Randy’s Pick Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers

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