The Dallas Mavericks (7-5) and Cleveland Cavaliers (6-7) are set to face off at Rocket Arena Saturday. Tip-off from Cleveland, Ohio, is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Mavericks vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Tied 1-1
Dallas was embarrassed 133-94 by the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday while failing to cover as a 5.5-point road underdog as the Over (226.5) cashed. F Cooper Flagg and G Kyrie Irving were shut down, combining for just 22 points after having 16 points as a duo at the half, and the Mavs shot just 37% from the field and 27% from deep while turning the ball over 19 times in the loss. The Mavs have shot under 30% from three in 2 of their
last 3 losses.
Cleveland was handed a 133-121 loss by the Miami Heat Friday, marking the third loss in 4 games for the Cavs. The Cavaliers failed to cover as 2.5-point road underdogs while the Over (234.5) hit, marking the third straight game in which the Over has hit for Cleveland. Both Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 37 points while also combining for 23 rebounds in the win as the Heat won 46-36 on the glass. The Cavs have allowed at least 124 points in 3 of their last 4 losses.
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Mavericks at Cavaliers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Mavericks -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Cavaliers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread (ATS): Mavericks -1.5 (-118) | Cavaliers +1.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Mavericks at Cavaliers key injuries
Mavericks
- G Max Christie (ankle) questionable
- G Sergio de Larrea (knee) out
- C Morez Johnson Jr. (shin) probable
- C Dereck Lively II (foot) out
Cavaliers
(Not yet submitted -- below was for Friday's game)
- G Sam Merrill (elbow) out
- F Evan Mobley (toe) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Mavericks at Cavaliers picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 118, Mavericks 116
Moneyline
BET CAVALIERS (+110).
Cleveland has the much more capable offense, averaging 116.8 (8th) points per game and holding an offensive rating of 116.2 (8th), while the Mavs are in the bottom half of the league in both categories. The Cavs also have the much deeper roster, so they can survive should one of their stars have a bad game, but Thursday's loss showed us exactly what happens if Flagg and Irving aren't on their A-game.
Expect that this remains a close game throughout, in which the Cavs will come out on top because of their ability to take care of the basketball and Dallas' lack of offensive variety.
Against the spread
PASS.
The Cavs will cover here, but this more than likely won't be a 1-point finish, and it isn't worth backing the Cavaliers here when I am picking them to win outright. Pass here and bet on the moneyline and/or Over/Under instead.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 231.5 (-110).
With F Evan Mobley out, the Cavs won't have the defensive infrastructure to turn this into a defensive battle; it will more than likely become a shootout in which both teams have stars put up massive numbers. The Cavs have been on a skid, but they have still put up at least 115 points in all of their wins, and the Mavs went back-to-back games putting up at least 120 before they suffered the loss against Minnesota.
This is a lean because the Under is 8-4 for Dallas this season.
Best prop bet
Mavericks F COOPER FLAGG OVER 23.5 POINTS (-125).
Flagg has taken a major leap to start his sophomore season, averaging 24.6 points per game, and after having a terrible outing vs. Minnesota, he will likely come out aggressive and looking to score in this outing. In his 4 career games against F Peyton Watson, who will likely be his primary defender, Flagg has shot 55.2% from the field and 37.5% from deep while averaging 22.3 points, and those matchups all came when Flagg was a rookie. Watson is a good player, but Flagg will crush this line as this is a matchup that he loves.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions
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