The Dallas Mavericks (0-1) and Indiana Pacers (1-0) meet Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Mavericks vs. Pacers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Mavericks won 2-0, but by a total of just 6 points
The Mavericks opened their season with a 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets Wednesday, failing to cover as 3.5-point road favorites while the Over (231.5) cashed. Dallas had no answer for F Kevin Durant and F Jabari Smith Jr., who poured in 30 points apiece for Houston. Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year F Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 32 points, while G Kyrie Irving added 15 in his first regular-season
appearance since tearing his left ACL in March 2025.
The Pacers opened their season with a hard-fought 123-120 win at the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday, covering as 1.5-point favorites while the Under (245.5) cashed. F Pascal Siakam led the way with 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. G Tyrese Haliburton made a strong return from a ruptured Achilles tendon, finishing with 23 points and 12 assists. F Obi Toppin chipped in 20 points, while C Ivica Zubac added a double-double (16 points, 14 rebounds).
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Mavericks at Pacers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:03 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Mavericks +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Pacers -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Mavericks +6.5 (-118) | Pacers -6.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Mavericks at Pacers key injuries
Mavericks
- F Santi Aldama (knee) out
- F Tarik Biberovic (heel) out
- G Jett Howard (calf) questionable
- C Dereck Lively II (foot) out
- F Caleb Martin (thumb) out
Pacers
- G Johnny Furphy (knee) out
- G T.J. McConnell (hamstring) out
- F Aaron Nesmith (hamstring) questionable
- G Ben Sheppard (knee) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Mavericks at Pacers picks and predictions
Prediction
Pacers 124, Mavericks 115
Moneyline
PASS.
I like the Pacers (-220) to win at home Friday, but not at those odds. I'll take the wager to the spread.
Against the spread
BET PACERS -6.5 (-118).
Indiana has the offensive firepower and home-court advantage to cover against Dallas. The Pacers opened their season with a 123-120 win over New Orleans, while the Mavericks struggled defensively in a 128-110 loss to Houston.
Haliburton looked sharp in his return, while Siakam poured in 30 points. Indiana's balanced attack could cause problems for a Dallas defense that surrendered 128 points in its opener. The Mavericks are also dealing with frontcourt injuries to Lively and Aldama, creating favorable matchups for Siakam and Zubac inside.
Indiana went 24-16 ATS at home last season, while Dallas finished just 15-26 ATS on the road. With better offensive chemistry and an advantage in the paint, the Pacers should be in control.
Over/Under
BET OVER 237.5 (-110).
Indiana and Dallas both play at a fast pace and enter Friday's matchup with defensive concerns. The Pacers scored 123 points in their opener but allowed 120, while the Mavericks surrendered 128 to Houston. Lots of offensive power on both sides of the court. 3 of their last 4 meetings produced at least 261 combined points.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers odds, picks and predictions
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