Sports Betting Picks

Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA Preview – Jan 23, 2025

The Dallas Mavericks (23-21) travel to face the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (36-7) at the Paycom Center on January 23, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. The game comes just six days after the Mavericks handed the Thunder a rare loss, winning 106-98 in a heated matchup.

Oklahoma City holds the best record in the conference but has struggled against Dallas, losing twice to the Mavericks this season. Dallas, however, will be without Luka Dončić and several other key players, which could make this rematch a tough challenge.

Dallas Mavericks Preview – Searching for Consistency

Dallas enters this game on a two-game losing streak, including a narrow 115-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Kyrie Irving led the way with 36 points and nine assists, continuing his strong form since returning from injury. Irving has scored at least 25 points in each of his last three games.

Injuries have significantly impacted the Mavericks, with Luka Dončić still sidelined since Christmas due to a calf strain. Other notable absences include Dereck Lively and Klay Thompson, leaving Dallas short-handed. Despite these setbacks, the Mavericks are holding on to the 9th spot in the Western Conference, aiming to stay competitive in the playoff race.

The Mavericks will need strong contributions from role players like P.J. Washington, who scored 30 points against Minnesota. Defensively, Dallas must find a way to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been dominant for Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City Thunder Preview – Dominating the Conference

The Thunder are 36-7 and have won 21 of their last 24 games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force, averaging a career-high 31.6 points per game. He dropped a career-best 54 points in a win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, showcasing his MVP-level play on both ends of the court.

Oklahoma City boasts the NBA’s best defense, allowing just 103.7 points per game. The team excels at limiting opponents’ shooting efficiency, ranking first in field goal percentage defense (42.9%). Gilgeous-Alexander’s defensive impact has also been significant, with multiple steals in each of his last eight games.

The Thunder will look to bounce back from their recent loss to Dallas, where they were without Gilgeous-Alexander due to a wrist injury. With him back in the lineup and producing at an elite level, Oklahoma City is poised to reclaim control in this matchup.

Betting Prediction

Oklahoma City is a heavy favorite, favored by 12.5 points with a total set at 220.5. The Thunder’s defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s form make them likely to cover the spread against a short-handed Mavericks squad. The total may go under, given both teams’ recent trends and the Mavericks’ lack of depth.

Projected final score: Oklahoma City 112, Dallas 95. Expect Oklahoma City to cover and the game to finish under the total.

Pick: Oklahoma City -12.5, Under 220.5

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