Knicks vs. Mavericks Odds & Picks: Protect our House

Jan 12, 2022
Knicks vs. Mavericks Odds & Picks: Protect our House

As sports betting in New York continues to grow, we continue to examine betting opportunities for local sports teams. It has been a great week for sports gambling in New York, with professional teams in action from the NFL, NBA and NHL.

Wednesday night brings a red-hot Dallas Mavericks team to Madison Square Garden, winners of six straight games. The Knicks are also playing their best basketball of the season, going 6-3 over their last nine games. Let's take a close look at where bettors should place their money tonight in a battle between two teams jockeying for playoff position as we approach the playoff run.


Editor's Note: Our betting subscription plan is only $44 through the end of February. Sign up today and access our premium betting tools and content, including Super Bowl picks!


Knicks vs. Mavericks Betting Odds

Knicks Mavericks
Spread +3 -3
Moneyline +130 -145
Over/Under 206 (-110)

Knicks vs. Mavericks Best Bets

*Lines accurate at time of publication.

Knicks +3 vs. Mavericks (-110, DK)

The Mavericks are on fire, entering Madison Square Garden on a six-game winning streak. Not surprisingly, this has coincided with the return of All-Star Luka Doncic, who battled health and safety protocols after an ankle sprain. He is essentially averaging a triple-double in the month of January, posting 20.8 points per game (PPG), 9.5 rebounds per game (RPG) and 11.9 assists per game (APG) in his past four games.

Dallas is a solid 21-19 against the spread but has covered their last four consecutive games. They have also been a strong cover on the road, with a 12-9 ATS record. Dallas will still need to overcome the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, who is battling COVID-19. New York is only 19-22 ATS, but has covered in three of their past four games.

The Knicks have improved their defense over the past two weeks, ranking sixth-best in the NBA with a 108.1 rating during that time. They have continued their frenetic play, looking great in a comeback win against Boston and a solid 15-point win over San Antonio on Monday.

The Knicks could get a boost from the return of big man Nerlens Noel, who cleared protocols but missed the last game due to conditioning. They would also get a huge boost if point guard Kemba Walker (questionable) could play after missing several games because of his left knee.

I expect another big game from RJ Barrett, who has been fantastic in 2022. He is averaging 22.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting a blistering 48.1% from deep.

I'm taking the Knicks at home as a live underdog against the Mavericks. Dallas has been impressive during their win streak, but getting three points with a strong defensive Knicks team at home is too enticing.

Risk: 1.10 units on DraftKings to win 1 unit. (Bet up to -120)

Knicks vs. Mavericks Game Total Under 206 Points (-110, DK)

This is a clear under bet for me, between two of the best defensive teams in the NBA over the last two weeks. While the Knicks are sixth-best during the time, the Mavericks are the NBA's top-rated defensive team since December 29th. In points per game, the Mavericks are 12th over that span, while the Knicks are the NBA's stingiest team, only allowing 96.7 points per game.

Given the Knicks' roster limitations, they have brought a much stronger effort on defense, especially with Immanuel Quickley starting for the injured Kemba Walker. Without Porzingis, the Mavericks have limited offensive options and need to rely on a slow-paced game to limit possessions.

I'm projecting a close game between two teams playing their best basketball of the season. I don't see both teams reaching 100 points, and see a defensive battle on Wednesday night at the Garden.

Risk: 1.10 units on DraftKings to win 1 unit. (Bet up to -120)

New York Sportsbook Offers

DraftKings: Double Your Money if the Knicks Score 1 Point

FanDuel: Bet $5 on Alabama or Georgia, Win $150 Cash if They Win

Caesars: Bet $100 on NBA, Get a Free NBA Jersey

For the most up-to-date picks check out my Twitter and subscribe to our Discord. This sheet from Dan Rivera tracks all my betting picks (and those from the rest of the betting staff) on the year. Just click on the tab with my name on it for the results.


This article is intended for entertainment purposes and adult users only. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you have a gambling problem.

Latest Articles
Most Popular