Naji Marshall is returning to the lineup after a brief absence that saw him miss just 1 game. Marshall has proven to be a good player capable of taking on a high usage role with above average efficiency. We’re getting a discount on this line and I also like his combo lines as well if you don’t have access to 15.5 points.
FanDuel at -132. Jabari Smith is averaging 6.9 rebounds per game this season. He’s cleared this line in 16/22 games against teams in the bottom half of rebounds allowed - the Mavs are 27th in that department. He’s compiled 17 rebounds across the two games against Dallas, and I expect him to make it three straight with 8+ boards. I’d bet this at over 7.5 for a partial unit.
Not sure what Dallas rookie ace Cooper Flagg can do for an encore after his 49-point showcase (albeit in a losing cause) vs. the Hornets on Thursday, though recent trendlines plus previous matchups suggest the Mavs can stay in the hunt tonight at Toyota Center. Dallas has covered all three meetings vs Houston this season and won the last two of those outright, though now-injured Anthony Davis was key in both of those wins. The Mavs also recently won four straight and have covered in seven of their last ten. Meanwhile the Rockets, though off of an impressive win over Hawks, have not been offering great value lately, just 4-11 their last 15 vs. the spread. Play Mavs
Johnson enters his rookie campaign after Dallas selected him ninth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Martin enters 2026-27 as part of a crowded Dallas forward rotation, which could make consistent playing time difficult to secure.
Marshall (hip) signed a three-year, $52.2 million extension with the Mavericks on Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Irving (knee) should be fully healthy by the end of the offseason, per Christian Clark of The New York Times.
Phillips signed a training camp contract with the Rockets on Friday, Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reports.
Tshiebwe agreed to a contract with the Rockets on Friday.
Tate agreed to a one-year, $3.07 million contract with the Rockets on Thursday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.
The Rockets signed Tate to a contract Thursday, per Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston.
The Mavericks signed Howard to a two-way contract Monday.
Risacher was traded to the Mavericks on Sunday as part of a three-team deal that sent Luguentz Dort and Ryan Nembhard (illness) to the Hawks and three second-round picks to the Thunder, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
