Jan. 3, 2026, 2:50 p.m. ET

The Houston Rockets (21-10) and Dallas Mavericks (12-23) meet Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET from American Airlines Center in Dallas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Rockets throttled the Brooklyn Nets 120-96 on Thursday, covering as a 13-point road favorite with the Under (217) cashing. G Amen Thompson led the way with 23 points on 10-for-12 shooting. Houston, despite having won 4 straight games, is 5-4 over its last 9 contests. The Rockets are 18-13 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Mavericks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 123-108 on Thursday, failing to cover as a 2.5-point home underdog. The Under (231.5) hit. Dallas was led by G Max Christie, who scored a team-high 18 points. No. 1 overall pick F Cooper Flagg tallied just 12 points on 5-for-15 shooting. The Mavericks have lost 4 straight and are 1-6 in their last 7, failing to cover in every game. They are 14-21 ATS on the season.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Rockets at Mavericks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rockets -325 (bet $325 to win $100) | Mavericks +260 (bet $100 to win $260)Against the spread (ATS): Rockets -8.5 (-102) | Mavericks +8.5 (-118)Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110| U: -110)Rockets at Mavericks key injuries

Rockets

C Steven Adams (ankle) questionableF Fred VanVleet (knee) out

Mavericks

G Dante Exum (knee) outG Kyrie Irving (knee) outC Dereck Lively II (foot) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Rockets at Mavericks picks and predictionsPrediction

Rockets 125, Mavericks 115

PASS.

The Rockets (-325) are surging and should beat a struggling Mavericks (+260) side with relative ease. They are too expensive to consider on the moneyline, though.

BET ROCKETS -8.5 (-102).

The Mavericks were thriving earlier in December behind improved play from Flagg, but he’s scored just 50 points on 18-for-48 shooting over his last 3 games. Against one of the largest teams in the league, expect him to struggle. Dallas has failed to cover in 4 straight games as an underdog.

The Rockets have been on fire offensively, tallying at least 117 points in 4 straight games. They are 4-3 ATS in their last 7 games and have covered 2 straight on the road. Back ROCKETS -8.5 (-102).

BET OVER 227.5 (-110).

The Rockets have gone Over in 4 of their last 6 games and should be able to dominate the glass and get ample second-chance opportunities. They are 19-12 O/U on the season.

The Mavericks are 3-2 O/U in their last 5 games and 8-4 O/U in their previous 12 performances. Dallas has allowed at least 123 points in 4 of its last 5 games. Take OVER 227.5 (-110).

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