Dallas Mavericks (12-22) host Philadelphia 76ers (17-14) tonight at the American Airlines Center, 8:30PM ET.
Dallas are in desperate need of a performance. They have lost their last 3 games and continue to drop down in the Western Conference standings. A major boost tonight will be the return of Anthony Davis who went off injured against Golden State Warriors on December 25th. Anthony Davis has played less than half of the scheduled games so far, but he averages 20.5 points & 10.9 rebounds per game.
Philadelphia have had to shoulder similar issues of poor availability. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George have played less than half of the Sixers games. But with Tyrese Maxey averaging 30.7 PPG, the Sixers have put up a respectable 17-14 record. The Sixers are strong on the road, with eight wins in fourteen.
One of the most exciting factors in tonight’s game is the battle of two rookies, Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) & DJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers). Cooper Flagg, the #1 pick in the 2025 draft has been the standout rookie alongside Kon Knueppel. It’s easy to forget that in his first ten games, Flagg struggled to make a mark. He averaged 13.9 PPG and shot 40% from the field. But in the 22 games to follow, he has averaged 22.1 PPG on 53% FG. His 42 point haul on December 15th being the most notable performance to date.
DJ Edgecombe has a slightly different role for Philadelphia. With the big three being the point of emphasis on offence, the other players are expected to be effective on catch and shoot opportunities. Recently Edgecombe has proven he can perform in this role. Scoring 25pts and the game winning shot in Tuesday’s overtime victory over Memphis.
Betting Markets:
- Philadelphia 76ers ML (-143)/Dallas Mavericks ML (+110)
- Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 pts (-110)/Dallas Mavericks +2.5 pts (-110)
- Over 231.5 pts (-110)/Under 231.5 pts (-110)
Our Prediction:
It is very difficult to go against the Sixers given the current state of Dallas. They look like a team that is void of cohesion and quality.
Despite a tough road trip to Memphis on Tuesday, I believe Philadelphia have enough quality to see out Dallas tonight.
Recent Form:
Injury Report:
Philadelphia 76ers: Trendon Watford (Out), Kelly Oubre Jr (Out)
Dallas Mavericks: Dante Exum (Out), Kyrie Irving (Out), Dereck Lively II (Out), D’Angelo Russell (Questionable)