| MATCHUP | Houston Rockets | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-11 | 13-23 |
| Where | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX | |
| When | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | Space City Home Network | |
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets beat the Pacers and Nets, and they play the Suns next. The Rockets have won 4 straight games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 120.6 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 112.7 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 25.3 points and 5 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 23.2 points and 9.2 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 7 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and 78.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.7 rebounds per game.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Trail Blazers and 76ers, and they play the Kings next. The Mavs have lost 6 of their last 7 games.
The Dallas Mavericks are averaging 113.6 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 117.4 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 21.7 points and 3 assists, while Cooper Flagg is averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds. PJ Washington is the third double-digit scorer, and Naji Marshall is grabbing 4.8 rebounds. The Dallas Mavericks are shooting 33.4 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free-throw line. The Dallas Mavericks are allowing 33.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Dallas Mavericks will win
- The Rockets have lost five of their last six games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Mavericks have won four of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five road games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Mavericks have covered the spread in each of their last four games at American Airlines Center against Rockets teams that held a winning record.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won 12 of their last 14 games against Mavericks teams that held a losing record.
- The Mavericks have lost six of their last seven games.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games.
- The road team has covered the spread in three of the Rockets’ last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Mavericks’ last eight games against Southwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Rockets’ last four road games against Southwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Dallas Mavericks Player Facts
- P.J. Washington is one of only six qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 threes, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks this season.
- Cooper Flagg ranks T9th in the league for fast break points (118) this season.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Reed Sheppard ranks 3rd in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.6) this season.
- Amen Thompson ranks T6th in the league for points in the paint (388) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mavericks rank 29th in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (12.7).
- The Mavericks rank 29th in the league for three-point percentage this season (33.4%).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (16.0).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (74.8%).
Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
The Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum.
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet. Steven Adams is questionable.
Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
You can make a case for the Mavericks, as they’re as healthy as they’ve been all year and at home. The Mavericks also beat the Rockets last month as a 6.5-point underdog. However, the Mavs keep losing games, and they’re 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games. At some point, you have to cash some tickets, or I’m going to keep blindly fading. The Rockets have put together a nice week, and they’re 18-13 ATS on the season. One team makes us money, the other doesn’t. It could all be so simple, folks. Give me the Rockets.