The Dallas Mavericks (16-16) and Houston Rockets (9-22) will square off in a Friday night affair on the NBA schedule.
Dallas has endured a mediocre season, and their past week hasn’t been much different. The Mavs are just 2-3 over the course of their past five games heading into Friday.
Houston is one of the worst teams in the NBA and is in the midst of a four-game losing streak. It is safe to say that Houston Rockets picks haven’t been all that popular so far during the 2022-2023 campaign. However, they do feature some upset potential at home.
But are the Rockets worth your NBA picks today?
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST on Friday, December 23rd, at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Let’s take a look at the Mavericks vs Rockets prediction and NBA odds today.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Game Info and Analysis
Matchup Info
Date: Friday, December 23, 2022
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Toyota Center
Location: Houston, Texas
How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Dallas Mavericks Performance Recap and Analysis
The Mavs have simply not been able to establish any consistency this year. They have shown glimpses of breaking out, but it has yet to come to fruition.
Dallas is fresh off of a 104-99 victory over the Timberwolves. They are hopeful that a win can spark a hot streak moving forward.
Let’s take a look at the Mavs’ NBA player stats and NBA team stats.
The Mavericks are 19th in points per game, 28th in assists per game, 30th in rebounds per game, 18th in field goal percentage, and 14th in three-point percentage. They are also second in turnovers limited per contest and ninth in assist-turnover ratio.
Luka Doncic has led the charge with over 32 points per game for Dallas. He’s also leading the Mavs with just under nine assists and eight rebounds per game. It is worrisome to think about where the Mavs would be without the presence of Doncic on the roster.
Regardless, Dallas will look to get the job done on Friday in Houston.
Key Injuries
Kemba Walker is expected to miss Friday’s game as he recovers from his previous injury. But this is more of a rest-related move for Walker and the Mavs.
Dorian Finney-Smith missed a recent game due to an adductor injury. His status is unclear for Friday.
Maxi Kleber is out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury.
Josh Green is expected to miss another week or two due to an elbow ailment.
Betting Trends to Know
The Mavs are just 11-19-2 against the spread this season. They are also 6-9 against the spread when playing on the road this year. Keep this in mind when making a Mavericks vs Rockets prediction.
Houston Rockets Performance Recap and Analysis
The Rockets continue to labor this year. The Dallas Mavericks odds of winning are high in this game, but the Rockets will do all they can to pull off the upset. This could be one of those NBA matchups where the underdog takes care of business.
The Rockets are 25th in points per game, 30th in assists per game, fourth in rebounds per game, 29th in field goal percentage, and 28th in three-point percentage. They are also 30th in assist-turnover ratio and 29th in turnovers limited per contest.
Jalen Green leads the Rockets with over 21 points per game. He’s emerged as a star and is an excellent building block for Houston. Kevin Porter Jr has also impressed with 19 points and just under six assists per game.
Key Injuries
Eric Gordon will miss Friday’s game due to a thumb injury.
Garrison Matthews is questionable due to an illness.
Jae’Sean Tate is reportedly getting close to a return as he recovers from an ankle injury.
Betting Trends to Know
The Rockets are 14-15-2 against the spread this season. Houston is 7-6-2 against the spread at their home arena.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Odds
The Mavericks are the unquestioned favorites in this game. Most people will roll with Dallas with their Rockets vs Mavericks prediction for Friday. But it will be interesting to see how the Rockets fare at home in this one.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Betting Picks
- Moneyline: Mavericks
- Over/Under: Under
- Spread: Mavericks
After reviewing the odds, it is time to make our official Mavericks vs Rockets prediction for Friday night.
The Mavs are the team to beat and should be able to get the job done on both the moneyline and spread. They are listed as convincing favorites, but they shouldn’t face much trouble covering their mark.
Meanwhile, both the Mavs and Rockets have struggled in terms of scoring so far during the 2022-2023 season. As a result, roll with the under on the total.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Score Prediction
Final Score: Dallas Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets 101-90.
NBA Pick: Dallas Mavericks
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