Dallas Mavericks Look to Inch Closer to Eighth and Final Playoff Spot

A battle between two Western Conference rivals highlights Sunday NBA action, when the Dallas Mavericks host the Oklahoma City Thunder. The current line has Dallas favored by 1 point with the over/under point total on 204.

Entering this game, Oklahoma City has an overall record of 35-27 straight up and 34-27-1 against the spread. On the road, the Thunder is 12-19 SU and 13-18 ATS. Dallas on the season is 25-36 SU and 34-27 ATS. At home, the Mavericks are 17-14 SU and 20-11 ATS.

Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook continues to achieve huge statistical accomplishment this season, but wins are harder to come by of late for the Thunder. On Friday, Westbrook became only the ninth player in history of the NBA to score 40 points or more in four straight games.

However, the Thunder lost on Friday to Phoenix 118-111, its second consecutive loss and sixth straight on the road. Westbrook scored 48 points and grabbed 17 boards.

In January, Westbrook scored 45 points against Dallas in a 109-98 win. The Thunder has won 5 straight regular season games against Dallas.

Dallas enters this game having won three of its past four games following a 4-point win on Friday at home over Memphis. The Mavericks remain three games behind in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

Nerlens Noel Dallas’ just acquired forward started for the first time with the Mavericks and scored 15 points while grabbing 17 rebounds, which tied a career high.

Dallas guard Wesley Matthews, who has sat out two consecutive games with an injured hip, is expected back for Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City.

Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki is 38 points shy of 30,000 for his career. He will become just the sixth player in NBA history to reach that plateau.

Westbrook has hit 54 of his past 57 free throws over his past four games.

Dallas shooting guard Seth Curry has averaged 23.5 points per game over the past five games.

Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its past 7 games versus opponents from the Southwest conference.

Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its past 5 games against Western Conference opponents.

Prediction: Oklahoma City has been faltering of late, while Dallas has picked up their game as they battle to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Lean here toward Dallas to cover.