Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 20, 2025

The Dallas Mavericks face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, the first of two meetings between the teams. Dallas, which dominated the series last season, hopes to maintain its dominance over the LaMelo Ball-led team. The Mavericks look to sustain the form that allowed them to beat the OKC Thunder 106-98 on Sunday, despite missing key players.

The Hornets also have injuries heading into their game against the Mavericks. They will be without Grant Williams, Tre Mann and Brandon Miller in the matchup. Ball’s supporting cast must step up for the home team to have a chance at beating their visitors.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the Mavericks-Hornets game. Fans can also catch the action on NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Mavericks (-220) vs. Hornets (+180)

Odds: Mavericks (-5.5) vs. Hornets (+5.5)

Total: (O/U): Mavericks (o224.0 -110) vs. Hornets (u224.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets preview

The Dallas Mavericks snapped a three-game losing streak with what was arguably their best defensive effort in the win against the OKC Thunder. Without Luka Doncic, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum and Dwight Powell, the Mavs should lean more on defense to continue dominating the Hornets.

The Mavs also need Kyrie Irving to keep carrying the load on offense to prevent the Hornets from pulling off an upset.

The Charlotte Hornets offense has hummed during their 3-1 stretch. LaMelo Ball has been playing like he deserves a starting spot in the All-Star Game. Mark Williams has also proven that when healthy, he can be a double-double machine.

The Hornets need both to be on point to compete against the Mavericks. Hornets coach Charles Lee needs to coax more out of Josh Green, Miles Bridges and Nick Smith Jr.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets predicted starting lineups

Mavericks

G: Kyrie Irving | G: Spencer Dinwiddie | F: Klay Thompson | F: P.J. Washington | C: Daniel Gafford

Hornets

G: LaMelo Ball | G: Josh Green | F: Nick Smith Jr. | F: Miles Bridges | C: Mark Williams

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Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets betting tips

Mark Williams is averaging 18.7 points per game on 74.3% shooting in January. Williams has been even more spectacular in his last three games, averaging 24.7 PPG on 69.8% efficiency. The big man could easily top his 15.5 (O/U) points prop against the hobbled Mavericks frontline.

P.J. Washington has found his stroke in the last two games, averaging 15.5 PPG during that stretch. Against Charlotte’s porous defense, Washington could hit the over in his 14.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

The Mavericks have proven they can still beat elite teams even when Luka Doncic plays cheerleader. Dallas’ defense travels well and could be the main reason the Mavs beat the Hornets, but allow the home team to cover the +5.5 spread.