Mavericks at Rockets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

With potential momentum from Wednesday’s win, Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green and the Rockets are only a slight underdog (+2.5) at home versus the short-handed Dallas Mavericks.

The Houston Rockets open up a three-game homestand at Toyota Center with Friday’s visit by Dallas, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bets at Tipico Sportsbook.

The Rockets-Mavericks game tips at 7 p.m. CST and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.

Fresh off their most feel-good victory in some time, the Rockets are hoping to build on the momentum of Wednesday’s buzzer-beating win in Washington. Moreover, as a welcome change from recent weeks, the Rockets aren’t expected to be the short-handed side at Toyota Center.

With no known medical, disciplinary, or back-to-back scheduling issues, Houston should have its biggest names (Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Eric Gordon, and Christian Wood) all available. Meanwhile, superstar Luka Doncic is doubtful for the Mavs due to a sprained right ankle.

Then again, there are reasons beyond Doncic as to why the Mavericks are the No. 5 team in the Western Conference standings and with four straight wins. By contrast, the Rockets are continue to be dead last.

Friday’s game isn’t likely to change the trajectory of the 2021-22 season for either team, with Dallas all-in on trying to win now around their perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. Yet, if the young and rebuilding Rockets could pull off a win over a probable West playoff team — even a short-handed version — it would be an impressive brand victory as they approach the season’s halfway point and build toward the future.