Sacramento (26-26) at Dallas (28-25)
- When: Feb 10 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: NBCS-CA
Game Preview
Dallas is favored by 1.0, with the total set at 236.5 as they host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Both teams have undergone major roster shake-ups and will be looking to find their footing as they push toward the postseason.
Dallas Mavericks Outlook
The Mavericks are still adjusting to life without Luka Doncic, but Anthony Davis’ debut on Saturday provided a glimpse of the star power Dallas brought in. Davis made an immediate impact, posting 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in the first half alone. He became the first player in the play-by-play era (since 1996-97) to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in a single half.
However, things took a turn in the third quarter when Davis exited with what was initially described as a leg spasm. While both Davis and the team downplayed the severity of the issue postgame, ESPN reported Sunday that he could miss multiple weeks due to a left adductor strain.
“Just the leg got tight, like a little spasm,” Davis said. “Just came back and tried to get it loose … but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”
Despite his absence in the fourth quarter, Dallas secured a 116-105 victory over the Houston Rockets. Davis finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists, but his looming absence leaves Dallas leaning heavily on Kyrie Irving, who is averaging 24.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Without Davis, the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth will be tested against a physical Kings team. Expect Irving to take on a larger offensive load, and don’t be surprised if Dallas relies more on its perimeter shooting.
Sacramento Kings Outlook
Sacramento also made franchise-altering moves at the trade deadline, sending longtime cornerstone De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, and multiple draft picks. While the Kings stumbled in LaVine’s first two games with the team, they bounced back with a 123-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
“You can talk about a lot and you can watch film, but there’s no supplement for experience,” LaVine said. “Especially being on the court with guys and seeing how they move, where they like the ball. All those nuances make a difference.”
With Fox no longer in the lineup, DeMar DeRozan now leads the Kings in scoring, averaging 21.5 points per game. Domantas Sabonis continues to be a force inside, averaging 20.5 points and a league-best 14.3 rebounds per game, while Malik Monk adds 18.0 points per contest.
The Kings’ offense has been clicking, but their defense remains a concern, particularly against a Mavericks squad that can shoot lights out from deep. If Sacramento wants to capitalize on Davis’ absence, they’ll need Sabonis to dominate inside and LaVine to step up as a playmaker.
Betting Prediction
This will be the second meeting between the teams this season, with Sacramento winning the first matchup 110-100 back on Dec. 30. However, Dallas is a different team now, even without Davis, and the Kings are still figuring out how to integrate LaVine into their system.
The Mavericks will look to push the pace and exploit Sacramento’s defensive struggles. Expect a high-scoring game, with Irving leading the charge for Dallas. The Kings, meanwhile, will try to counter with a strong inside presence led by Sabonis.
With Davis sidelined, this game is essentially a toss-up. The slight edge goes to Dallas at home, but the over on 236.5 looks like the best play, given both teams’ scoring potential and defensive inconsistencies.
Spread Pick: Dallas -1
Over/Under: Over 236.5
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
