The high-flying Houston Rockets are set for a Texas showdown as they travel to face the struggling Dallas Mavericks this Saturday. The game, scheduled for December 6, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET, will be a crucial Western Conference clash at the American Airlines Centre in Dallas.
Team Form and Betting Odds
The Rockets enter this contest in stellar form, boasting a 15-5 record that places them second in the highly competitive Western Conference. They are riding a two-game winning streak and have won ten of their last twelve outings. Their latest victory was a convincing 117-98 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
In stark contrast, the Dallas Mavericks have found the season challenging, holding an 8-16 record and sitting in 12th place in the West. They are coming off a heavy 132-111 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unsurprisingly, sportsbooks have installed the Rockets as heavy favorites. Houston is an 8.5-point favorite on the spread, with the total points over/under set at 224.5. On the moneyline, the Rockets are -400 favorites, while the Mavericks are +320 underdogs.
Expected Lineups and Key Absences
The starting lineups feature several star names, but both teams are dealing with significant injury woes. For the Houston Rockets, the expected starters are Amen Thompson at point guard, Josh Okogie at shooting guard, the legendary Kevin Durant at small forward, Jabari Smith Jr. at power forward, and Alperun Sengun at center.
The Dallas Mavericks are projected to start with Ryan Nembhard and Cooper Flagg in the backcourt, Max Christie and Naji Marshall on the wings, and Anthony Davis anchoring the paint at power forward.
The injury report reveals a lengthy list of unavailable players. For Dallas, key figures like Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), and Dante Exum (knee) are out. Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington are listed as day-to-day with ankle issues.
Houston's infirmary is also crowded. Star center Alperun Sengun is out due to illness, joining Fred VanVleet (ACL), Tari Eason (oblique), and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) on the sidelines. Stephen Adams is questionable with an ankle problem.
Statistical Breakdown and Game Prediction
A look at the season statistics highlights the gap between the two teams. The Rockets are an offensive juggernaut, averaging 121.5 points per game, significantly higher than the Mavericks' 111.4. Houston also dominates the boards, grabbing 49.4 rebounds per game compared to Dallas's 44.5.
Other key stats are closer. The Rockets average 25.5 assists and 9.4 steals, while the Mavericks average 24.9 assists and 8 steals per contest. In shot-blocking, Dallas has a slight edge with 5.8 blocks per game versus Houston's 5.4.
Given the current form, roster strength, and injury situations, the Rockets are the clear favorites to win this game. Their high-powered offense, led by Kevin Durant, is expected to overwhelm a Mavericks defense that has struggled for consistency. While Anthony Davis will pose a challenge inside, the Rockets' overall depth and momentum should see them cover the spread and secure another victory to solidify their standing near the top of the conference.
