Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, NBA Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated Nov 17, 2024

NBA: Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder

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Sunday is far from a sleepy day in the NBA, with the evening showcase pitting the Dallas Mavericks against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Dallas
33-35
AT
November 17, 2024, 7:00 PM ET
Chesapeake Energy Arena
Oklahoma City
54-12
Pointspread +7.5 -110
Moneyline +230
Over / Under o +226.5
Matchup Odds
Pointspread -7.5 -110
Moneyline -300
Over / Under u +226.5
Matchup Odds

There is no rest for the weary in the Association. The Dallas Mavericks were in action at home against state rivals the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, winning 110-93. Dallas now travels to Oklahoma for a game that starts less than 24 hours later to contend with a well-rested Thunder squad. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and company haven’t been in action since Friday when they bested the Phoenix Suns 99-83.

OKC is a powerful adversary, as evidenced by the -5 spread in their favour for this matchup on our NBA odds.

Mavericks vs. Thunder NBA Betting Odds

Sunday evening is the first time these Western Conference foes square off since last spring’s second round postseason bout. As most recall, Dallas, despite being the underdog on paper, prevailed with a 4-2 series win. That paved the way for the Mavs to reach the NBA Finals. For the Thunder, it was a learning experience for a supremely talented, if young and unproven roster.

Speaking of paving roads, that which could lead back to the Finals is uneven for Dallas in 2024-25. Through 13 contests the high-flying Mavericks are only 6-7. There are stretches in games when it looks as if they are still figuring out how the Kyrie Irving–Luka Doncic–Klay Thompson trifecta is supposed to work. They only score 113.4 points per game, which puts them outside the top 10. Against the spread, the team is only 5-7-1.

On the other hand, the Thunder look just as if not more hungry than last season. At 11-2, they’re blasting clubs left and right and sport an NBA-best +12.9 point differential. They’re even weathering the storm of significant absentees like Chet Holmgren (hip fracture), Alex Caruso (hip), and Isiah Hartenstein (hand), the latter whom hasn’t played at all this season. A 9-3-1 tally ATS is looking mighty good these days, too.

Dallas Mavericks

Call Saturday’s match at home to the Spurs the relative calm before the storm (with Thunder!) coming on Sunday. San Antonio were themselves dealing with the second of a back-to-back. What’s more, Victor Wembenyama was out of the lineup.

That said, the Mavericks were a little sluggish in the early going, with the Spurs winning the first quarter 28-23. But this would be a game in which two of Dallas’ big men took care of business in each half. In the first, it was Derek Lively, who finished with four blocks, four boards, and a plus-11 rating. In the second, it was Daniel Gafford’s turn to cause chaos. Not only did he execute a trio of blocks, but he also scored 22 points off the bench.

That Doncic only netted 16 points is not a bad thing per se. It’s a positive sign that the team doesn’t need him to go ballistic every night. Klay, however, only had nine points. Make the final, 110-93.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC was at home on Friday for their second NBA Cup group stage match. As much as Phoenix has a decent roster when Kevin Durant (calf) is out, they’re not the same team and the Thunder rolled through them.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s toolbox of skills is to be reckoned with. He can hit a three if he needs to, his mid-range is excellent, and he’s smooth as silk when heading to the cup. His 28 points led the Thunder in scoring. Three other starters reached the double-digit plateau: Jalen Williams (14 points), Isaiah Joe (11), Luguentz Dort (15).

With so many players injured, the Thunder are getting to see what they have in some lesser-known subs like Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell, and Ousmane Dieng. So far they’re fitting in nicely, which makes OKC even more dangerous for anyone thinking they’re seriously shorthanded.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Mavericks vs. Thunder?

NBA Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • DAL
  • +7.5 -7.5
  • OKC
Matchup NBA Odds