Mavericks at Rockets odds, injury report, predictions, TV channel for Dec. 23

The Dallas Mavericks take on the rival Houston Rockets on Friday. Luka Doncic rested in the first meeting of the season between the two teams as the Rockets pulled the upset. The two sides will get quite familiar as the Mavericks play Houston three times in the next six games.

The Rockets are just 9-22 on the season, and they have lost four straight games. They have the worst record in the Western Conference and the third-worst record in the league. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. are both putting up monster numbers, but it has not translated to wins in Houston.

The Mavs need a victory to get back over .500, but they will be shorthanded on Friday night. Luka Doncic is set to play, and Dallas will need a monster performance from number 77. Here is a look at how to watch, the odds, and more of the Dec. 23 meeting.

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets odds, spread, over/under

According to the FanDuel Sportsbook, the Mavs are six-point favorites heading into Friday’s game, and they sit at minus-230 on the moneyline. The over/under for the contest is 222.0 points.

Luka Doncic’s over/under is 29.5 points on Dec. 23. He has been held under 30 for two straight games, but the Mavericks will need him to take over with four rotation players out on Friday night. Expect him to eclipse 30 against the Rockets.

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets injury report

The Mavs ruled out Dorian Finney-Smith (adductor), Maxi Kleber (hamstring), Kemba Walker (knee), and Josh Green with an elbow injury. They will also be without Jaden Hardy, Tyler Dorsey, and McKinley Wright IV because they are on G League assignment. That leaves Dallas with just ten healthy players for Friday’s game in Houston.

The Rockets ruled out Eric Gordon (thumb), Jae’Sean Tate (ankle), and Trevor Hudgins (G League). Garrison Matthews is questionable to face the Mavs with a non-COVID illness.

Be sure to check social media just before tipoff for any late-breaking news ahead of the game.

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets how to watch

Start time: 7:00 p.m. CT or 8:00 p.m. ET

TV channels: Bally Sports Southwest- Dallas (Mavericks' local market), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Rockets' local market)

How to watch online: Bally Sports-plus or NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets predictions

Luka Doncic erupts for 37 points in three quarters as the shorthanded Mavericks blowout the rival Rockets. He finished with eight rebounds and eight assists as he looks unstoppable in Houston.

Tim Hardaway Jr. nails six 3-pointers on his way to 23 points and Christian Wood has 19 against his former team as the Mavericks even the season series.

Dallas Mavericks' next game and schedule

Friday’s game in Houston marks the end of a four-game road trip for Dallas before the Mavericks return home for three straight games. Here is a look at their upcoming homestand.

Dec. 25 vs Los Angeles Lakers at 1:30 p.m. CT

Dec. 27 vs New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. CT

Dec. 29 vs Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. CT

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to go back over .500 as they have a relatively easy slate heading into the new year. Can Luka Doncic and company take advantage? Tune in to find out. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.