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3d ago

Durant-Led Rockets Host Mavericks After Flagg’s 49, Houston a Double-Digit Favorite

Injuries leave both rotations thin, with models tilting toward a higher total.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during a game at American Airlines Center on January 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Tipoff is 8:30 p.m. ET at Houston’s Toyota Center with national TV coverage on ABC.
  • Houston enters 29-17 to Dallas’ 19-29, led by Kevin Durant’s 26.5 points per game and a 3-1 run, while the Mavericks have dropped three straight.
  • Key absences include Houston’s Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Steven Adams (ankle) plus Dallas’ Anthony Davis (hand) and Kyrie Irving (knee), among others.
  • Rookie Cooper Flagg is available after a 49-point, 10-rebound performance, and Dallas leads the season series 2-1.
  • Sportsbooks list Houston around -10.5 to -11.5, and SportsLine’s model projects roughly 228 combined points with the Over hitting in about 60% of simulations.