Dallas Mavericks (16-10) vs. Houston Rockets (13-11)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets 12/22/23 – As the NBA season heats up, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are set for an exhilarating showdown on Friday evening at the Toyota Center – sure to delight basketball enthusiasts – at 8 PM ET. Space City Home Network will broadcast this game, giving NBA daily free picks enthusiasts ample opportunity to witness this exciting contest between opposing styles and player matchups.
The Mavericks have been impressive on offense this season. Averaging 119.3 points per game at 47.3% field goal percentage and making 15.8 three-pointers at 37.1% rate each game is evidence of their scoring prowess. Defensively they average 42.2 rebounds and 6.2 steals per game which displays their ability to control boards and disrupt opponents’ offense while 11.6 turnovers per game need to be managed against Houston Rockets.
On the other side of things are the Houston Rockets who average 110.7 points per game with a slightly lower field goal percentage (46%). Their 3-point shooting has also improved, as they average 12.3 three-pointers at 36.2% per game on average and boast 45.5 rebound average per game which could give them an edge in controlling pace and flow of game. Their defensive stats mirror that of Mavericks with 6.5 steals/4.5 blocks per game but more fouls are committed, typically 22.3 fouls each game.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 22, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Toyota Center |
| TV: | Space City Home Network |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Luka Doncic (PG) vs. Alperen Sengun (C)
Mavericks’ Luka Doncic comes into this game playing at an MVP level, averaging nearly 33 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds per game. He has been utterly unstoppable on the offensive end all season long, with the ability to break down defenses with his scoring and playmaking. Doncic is extremely crafty attacking the rim and finishes well through contact. He also has unlimited shooting range, knocking down tough stepbacks and pull-ups with ease. Defensively, Doncic does have some weaknesses, as he can get lackadaisical on that end or get beat laterally by quicker guards. However, he generates a good amount of steals and deflections by playing the passing lanes.
For the Rockets, second-year center Alperen Sengun serves as an integral two-way piece. He leads the team in points, rebounds and blocks, providing a sturdy interior presence on both ends. Sengun has great footwork and touch around the basket for a big man. He also displays quality vision and passing ability, keeping the ball moving to open shooters. Sengun’s defense will be put to the test matching up with Doncic in the pick-and-roll. He lacks mobility defending in space, so Doncic could look to exploit him off the dribble. Overall, Sengun is a promising young talent, but this matchup with an elite shot creator like Doncic does not bode well for him.
When these two key players meet, it will be an intense test of Doncic’s offensive versatility against Sengun’s defensive prowess. Doncic must create opportunities for himself and his teammates while Sengun must assert himself in the paint both offensively and defensively.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are currently TBD, which adds an element of uncertainty. However, based on the teams’ performances and stats, insights can be drawn for potential bettors.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Dallas has been solid against the spread recently, covering in 3 of their last 5 contests. The Mavs have also hit the over in 4 of their past 5 outings. This team is scoring at will under Doncic’s leadership, eclipsing 120 points in 3 straight games. Backing the over looks wise given their recent offensive explosion.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
Contrary to Dallas, Houston has struggled against the number of late, failing to cover in 3 of their previous 5 matchups. The under has hit in 2 of the Rockets’ last 5 as well. Their defense has looked porous, surrendering over 115 points in 4 of their past 6 games. The trends signal taking the Mavericks and the over.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets 12/22/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis, the Mavericks, with their high-scoring offense, seem to have a slight edge over the Rockets. However, the Rockets’ ability to rebound and their home-court advantage could be factors that level the playing field. Best handicapper tips would suggest considering the over/under based on the Mavericks’ recent trend of high-scoring games and the Rockets’ potential to keep up in a high-scoring contest.
Free Pick and Prediction: Dallas Mavericks 115, Houston Rockets 100