The free-falling Dallas Mavericks have lost seven of their last eight games entering Sunday’s matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavs will try to turn things around in front of their hometown fans, and sportsbooks opened them as 3.5-point home underdogs with a total of 218.5.
- The home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings between the Thunder and Mavericks.
- The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the Thunder and Mavericks in Dallas.
- The OVER is 6-1 in the Mavericks' last seven games.
Thunder vs Mavericks Game Center
Mavericks have been great at American Airlines Center
Dallas’ success at home has been something to behold, but they’ve been awful on the road. The Mavericks are 14-3 SU at home compared to an ugly 2-15 mark on the road in 2018-19. After today’s game, they’ll hit the road for four straight beginning with another contest with the Thunder on Monday to complete the home-and-home set.
The Thunder got 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists from Russell Westbrook in a 118-102 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Paul George, who leads the team in scoring with 26.3 points per game, is riding a streak of four straight double-doubles but is day-to-day after sitting out vs the Suns. OKC could use a better showing from backup point guard Dennis Schroder, however, as he’s gone 4-of-17 from 3-point range over the last four games.
Thunder rarely cover in Dallas
The Mavericks have been on an OVER tear lately. In Dallas’ past seven games, the OVER is a sizzling 6-1. The Mavs have also gone OVER in six of their past seven against Western Conference opponents.
When these teams get together, home court advantage has been massive. Home sides are 7-1 ATS in the previous eight matchups between the Mavericks and Thunder. The Thunder are only 0-5 ATS in their past five trips to Dallas, so take that into account before placing your wagers on this one.
My pick: take the Mavericks
One of the best bets in the NBA this season is betting the Mavericks when they play at home and fading them when they hit the road. Dallas’ numbers in Texas this year are too good to ignore, and while the Thunder are clearly the better team, I’m perfectly fine with backing Dallas tonight at the current number. They may not win, but the Mavericks should keep it close.
