NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks Odds and Betting Preview

DALLAS, TEXAS – Two of the Western Conference’s elite go head to head this evening as the defending champion Dallas Mavericks host Kevin Durant’s Oklahoma City in a rematch of last year’s conference final.

The Mavericks have been installed as the two point favourites for the encounter, with either side a 10/11 chance (bet £11 to make a £10 profit) to cover the spread at Ladbrokes. Punters can back Dallas to win the game at 3/4 with Bet Victor whilst the Thunder are an 11/10 chance on the money line with SkyBet.

The NBA champion Dallas Mavericks have recovered from an abysmal 1-4 to post seven wins from their past ten matches and improve to 14-8 for the season. Mark Cuban’s franchise will be hoping to continue their surge up the rankings this evening as they take on the Western Conference leading Thunder in a fascinating encounter. The Mavs recorded their third straight victory on Monday evening as 21 points from a rejuvenated Vince Carter helped the side to a blowout 122-99 victory over the Steve Nash-less Suns. The Mavericks are currently 9-3 at home this season after rebounding from losing their opening two home games by winning nine of their next ten at the American Airlines Center.

The Thunder come into this evening’s contest as one of the league’s hottest teams with a Conference best 16-4 overall record and an 8-2 record from their last ten fixtures. Oklahoma did however suffer a disappointing 112-100 loss to the Clippers on Monday evening, in a loss coach Scott Brooks labelled as their first bad game of the season. This despite franchise stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combining for a remarkable 67 points on 27 of 49 shooting. The Thunder will be hoping for improved performances from the likes of James Harden and Serge Ibaka this evening to help lift some of the burden off the Thunder's two stars. OKC are a dangerous side to face coming off a loss, with Scott Brooks side holding a superb 22-7 record after a defeat in the past two seasons.

The Over/Under for the total points in the game has been set at 197.5, with Bet365 offering 10/11 on the score line passing that mark whilst Boylesports offer a best-priced even money on fewer than 197 points being scored in the contest.

Punters can back the Mavericks to score over or under 99.5 points at 5/6 with Ladbrokes whilst the line for Boston’s total points in the game has been set at 97.5 with the same firm.

In the alternative handicap market, the Mavericks can be backed to win by five or more points at 5/4 with Bet365 or nine or more at 5/2 with the same firm. The Thunder are available at 2/1 to win the matchup by at least five points (again with Bet365).

Both these sides are amongst the NBA’s elite and will be vying for the Western Conference crown this season. The Thunder the current favourites for the conference at a best price of 7/4 with Paddy Power whilst the Mavericks’ slow start has seen them drift out to 8/1 for the conference title with Boylesports. The Thunder are currently quoted at an industry best 5/1 for the Larry O’Brien trophy with Bet365 whilst the Mavericks are available at 20/1 with Paddy Power.

The Game Tips Off at 2000 ET/0100 GMT with live coverage on ESPN. 

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