Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 6 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks will face each other in a classic all-Texas showdown at the American Airlines Center. It’s their second matchup of the season, with Houston having taken the first one 110–102.

Both teams enter this contest with contrasting results in their previous games. The Rockets secured a dominant 117–98 win over the Phoenix Suns, pushing their record to 15–5 and moving up to second in the West. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are coming off a tough 132–111 loss to the OKC Thunder, dropping them to 8–16 and down to 11th in the standings.

Although the Mavericks play at home, they haven’t exactly been strong in Dallas, posting a mediocre 5–9 record. The Rockets, on the other hand, have been outstanding on the road, losing only three of their 11 games.

With both teams playing on the second night of a back-to-back, this matchup will be a real test of resilience.

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Rockets -395, Mavericks +310

Spread: Rockets -8.5 (-115), Mavericks +8.5 (-105)

Total over/under (o/u): Rockets o223.5 (-112), Mavericks u223.5 (-108)

*Editor's Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks preview

After losing against the Utah Jazz and dropping their three-game win streak at the start of the month, the Rockets have made a quick turnaround. Defeating the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns in back-to-back games, Houston will look to make it three in a row on Saturday.

The Rockets have been one of the most well-rounded teams in the league this season, and they’ll aim to bring that same dominance to Dallas.

They own the NBA’s second-best defense, giving up just 109.7 points per game, while their offense ranks inside the top five at 121.5 points per game.

Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun have driven Houston’s dominance on both ends. Durant leads the team with 25.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while Sengun has been a strong two-way presence, averaging 23.1 points and 9.1 rebounds.

On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks were enjoying their best run this season before their loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They had won three straight, including strong victories over the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat.

Those wins came largely from their improved defense, which now stands 15th in the league, allowing 116.4 points per game. Their offense, however, remains a concern, sitting 27th with an average of 111.4 points per game.

Cooper Flagg has led the Mavs in scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game. Meanwhile, P.J. Washington has been their next best contributor, averaging 16.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Both teams will be missing key players for this matchup. The Mavericks are missing Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington. The Rockets will be without Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tari Eason.

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks predicted starting fives

Houston Rockets predicted starting five

PG- Amen Thompson, SG- Reed Sheppard, SF- Kevin Durant, PF- Jabari Smith Jr., C- Steven Adams

Dallas Mavericks predicted starting five

PG- RJ Nembhard Jr., SG- Cooper Flagg, SF- Klay Thompson, PF- Anthony Davis, C- Dwight Powell

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks betting tips

Kevin Durant is projected to score over 25.5 points. He is averaging 25.0 points per game.

Anthony Davis is expected to score over 18.5 points. He is averaging 19.0 points per game.

Amen Thompson is projected to collect over 6.5 rebounds. He is averaging 7.1 rebounds per game.

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks prediction

The Houston Rockets are -8.5 favorites on the spread. They should easily cover this, considering their current form and Dallas's lack of wins at home.

Prediction: Rockets to win by 7 points or more.