Dallas (23-21) at Oklahoma City (36-7)
- When: Jan 23 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: KFAA
Game Preview
Oklahoma City Thunder (-13) vs. Dallas Mavericks | Total: 221.5
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks are set for a fiery rematch Thursday night, just six days after their last showdown. In their prior clash, Dallas held off the Thunder 106-98, a game marked by five technical fouls, a flagrant foul, and plenty of heated exchanges. The rivalry is personal, and both teams will look to make a statement this time around.
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview:
The Thunder enter this matchup with momentum, holding the best record in the Western Conference and boasting 21 wins in their last 24 games. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on an absolute tear, scoring a career-high 54 points against Utah on Wednesday while showcasing his elite two-way play. Averaging 2.1 steals per game, SGA continues to lead both offensively and defensively, putting Oklahoma City in prime position to dominate.
Key to the Thunder’s success will be maintaining their defensive intensity and feeding off Gilgeous-Alexander’s unstoppable form. Oklahoma City has been lethal at home and will be looking to avenge last week’s loss while solidifying their place as a true contender in the West.
Dallas Mavericks Preview:
The Mavericks, on the other hand, are limping into this matchup. Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a calf strain, and Dallas could be missing several key players, including Dereck Lively, Klay Thompson, and others. Kyrie Irving, who has stepped up with at least 25 points in his last three games, will likely shoulder the offensive load again, but his status for this matchup is also uncertain.
Dallas has dropped back-to-back games, including a heartbreaking 115-114 loss to Minnesota on Wednesday. With their playoff hopes fading, the Mavericks need a massive team effort to stay competitive. However, their depleted roster and lack of firepower make it an uphill battle against a surging Thunder team.
Betting Predictions:
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Spread Prediction: The Thunder are the clear favorites here, and for good reason. With Dallas missing key contributors and the Thunder firing on all cylinders, Oklahoma City should have no trouble covering the -13 spread. Expect another dominant outing from SGA, and the Mavericks will likely struggle to keep pace.
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Total Prediction: The total is set at 221.5, and while the Thunder’s offense has been rolling, Dallas’ injuries and inconsistent scoring raise questions about whether they can contribute enough to hit the over. Lean toward the under in this contest, especially if Irving’s availability is uncertain.
Key Player Props:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Over/Under: Take the over on SGA’s points total as he continues his MVP-caliber stretch.
Kyrie Irving Points: If Irving plays, expect him to exceed 25 points again with the Mavericks relying heavily on his scoring.
Prediction:
The Thunder (-13) cruise to a decisive win at home, with their depth and dominance on both ends of the court proving too much for an injury-riddled Mavericks team. Final score prediction: Thunder 115, Mavericks 98.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
