GST Staff

Cavaliers vs. Mavericks Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets January 03, 2025

Streaking Cavs Offense Takes On Slumping Mavs Defense

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The Cleveland Cavaliers come into Dallas riding an impressive eight-game winning streak and sporting a stellar 28-4 record on the season. Their high-powered offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a blistering 122.4 points per game while shooting a scorching 50.4 percent from the field. The Cavs have been even more dominant lately, winning 9 of their last 10 while pouring in 123.2 points per contest on a sizzling 49.2 percent shooting clip.

Fueling Cleveland's offensive juggernaut is their unselfish ball movement, dishing out an eye-popping 28.9 assists per game for the season and a staggering 30.4 over their last 10. They've been crashing the boards hard as well, corralling nearly 46 rebounds per game during this recent hot stretch. While not known for their defense, the Cavs have managed to hold opponents under 111 points per game, a solid mark in today's up-tempo NBA.

On the other side, the Dallas Mavericks have stumbled out of the gates, posting a 20-14 record and dropping 3 straight. Their offense has sputtered recently, mustering just 103.6 points per game over their last 5 on a meager 45.8 percent shooting. The Mavs' defensive struggles have been even more glaring, surrendering 108 points per contest during this stretch while allowing opponents to shoot over 62 percent from inside the arc.

If Dallas hopes to halt Cleveland's torrid run, they'll need to shore up their defensive rotations and find a way to slow the Cavs' free-flowing offense. Protecting the ball will be crucial as well after coughing it up 15.4 times per game over their last 5 losses. On the other end, the Mavericks must capitalize on their rare open looks and crash the offensive glass to create extra possessions against this stingy Cleveland defense.