Jan. 3, 2026, 2:50 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
The Houston Rockets<\/a> (21-10) and Dallas Mavericks<\/a> (12-23) meet Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET from American Airlines Center in Dallas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s<\/a> NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions<\/a> for the best bets.<\/p>\n Season series: Tied 1-1<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Watch the NBA on Fubo!<\/a>Rockets at Mavericks odds<\/p>\n Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook<\/a>; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub<\/a> for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n Rockets<\/p>\n C Steven Adams (ankle) questionableF Fred VanVleet (knee) out<\/p>\n Mavericks<\/p>\n G Dante Exum (knee) outG Kyrie Irving (knee) outC Dereck Lively II (foot) out<\/p>\n For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rockets at Mavericks picks and predictionsPrediction<\/p>\n Rockets 125, Mavericks 115<\/p>\n PASS.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n BET ROCKETS -8.5 (-102).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n BET OVER 227.5 (-110).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com<\/a> and BetFTW<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter\/X<\/a> and like us on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n Access more NBA coverage:<\/p>\n HoopsHype<\/a> | Celtics Wire<\/a> | Nets Wire<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Rockets Wire<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Sixers Wire<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Thunder Wire<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Warriors Wire<\/a>\u00a0| LeBron Wire<\/a> |\u00a0Rookie Wire<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0List Wire<\/a><\/p>\n Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.<\/p>\n Gambling involves risk. 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