Rockets vs. Mavericks Dunkel NBA Picks, Predictions and Odds - Jan. 3

The Houston Rockets (21-10) will attempt to build on a four-game winning stretch when visiting the Dallas Mavericks (12-23) on January 3, 2026 at American Airlines Center.

The Rockets match up against the Mavericks in a game that Houston is currently a strong favorite by 8 points. The matchup has an over/under of 225.5.

Rockets vs. Mavericks Odds and Game Time

• Game day: Saturday, January 3, 2026
• Game time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Arena: American Airlines Center
• Total: 225.5 points
• Spread: Rockets -8
• Moneyline: Rockets (-330), Mavericks (+265)

How to watch Rockets vs. Mavericks

• TV Channel: Space City Home Network
• Live Stream: Fubo

Betting the Over/Under: Rockets vs. Mavericks

• The Rockets and their opponents have gone over 225.5 combined points in 20 of 31 games this season.
• Mavericks games this season have had a combined scoring total higher than 225.5 points in 21 of 35 outings.
• The teams combine to score 234.1 points per game, 8.6 more points than this matchup's total.
• Opponents of these teams average 229.4 combined points per game, 3.9 more points than this matchup's total.

Betting the Spread: Rockets vs. Mavericks

• Houston has compiled an 18-13-0 record against the spread this season.
• The Rockets have been favored by 8 points or more 14 times this season, and covered the spread in eight of those games.
• The Mavericks have won 14 games against the spread this year, while failing to cover or pushing 21 times.
• Dallas has been an underdog by 8 points or more nine times this year, and covered the spread in five of those contests.
• The Mavericks are 9-9-1 against the spread, and 9-10 overall, at home.
• At home, as a 8-point underdog or greater, Dallas is winless ATS (0-2-1).
• In away games, the Rockets are 12-7 against the spread, and 11-8 overall.
• This season Houston is 3-3 ATS as 8-point favorites or more on the road.

Betting the Moneyline: Rockets vs. Mavericks

• The Rockets have won 20 of the 29 games they were favored on the moneyline this season (69%).
• The Mavericks have entered the game as underdogs 24 times this season and won eight, or 33.3%, of those games.
• Houston has a record of 9-3 in games it has played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -330 or shorter (winning 75%).
• This season, Dallas has won two of its eight games when it is the underdog by at least +265 on the moneyline.
• Based on this contest's moneyline, the Rockets have an implied win probability of 76.7%.

Dunkel Index Prediction for Rockets vs. Mavericks

• Pick ATS: Mavericks (+ 8)
• Pick OU: Over (225.5)
  
• Prediction: Mavericks 117 - Rockets 116
• Check out the rest of our Dunkel Index NBA Picks!