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Believe it or not, the Dallas Mavericks still play basketball games.
Media outlets may only focus on the aftermath of the Luka Doncic trade and the ensuing misery among fans, as well as the franchise’s future.
However, the show must go on for sportsbooks and bettors.
Immediately following the trade, Dallas covered the spread in eight of its next 10 games.
However, it’s been a downward spiral since, with a 1-7 against the spread (ATS) mark, overlapping with the season-ending injury to Kyrie Irving.
The Mavs have just nine healthy players, but they are managing to remain in the play-in picture, mainly because other teams are stumbling.
Next up is a road game against the Houston Rockets on Friday, and Dallas is a 12-point underdog.
Mavericks vs. Rockets odds
TeamSpreadMoneylineTotalMavericks+12 (-110)+460o221 (-110)Rockets-12 (-110)-650u221 (-110)Odds via Caesars
However, I am focusing on a proposition bet with my 31-18 ATS mark in this Post sports section.
I am taking Max Christie Under his combined points, rebounds and assists, which is usually posted at 21.5.
The 22-year-old guard delivered impressive stat lines immediately after arriving in Dallas via the memorable trade.
However, he seemingly has been lost over the past three weeks.
Christie has cashed the Under for this prop in nine of his past 10 games.
The odds have ranged from 19.5-23.5, depending on the opponent.
Betting on the NBA?
Houston should stymie the Dallas offense.
The Rockets rank second in defensive efficiency, though stud defender Amen Thompson is injured and will miss the game.
Nevertheless, I believe there are enough reasons to back the Under and bank on Christie struggling to find his rhythm with this makeshift Mavs lineup.
PICK: Max Christie Under points + rebounds + assists total
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who currently serves as the Chief Content Officer for Only Players, a sports betting media company. Doug has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He’s also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
