The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off against the Dallas Mavericks on January 3, 2025, at the American Airlines Center, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 PM ET. This NBA matchup sees the Cleveland Cavaliers entering with the best record of the league, 29-4, against the Dallas Mavericks, who have struggled to maintain form with a record of 20-14.
For the Cavaliers, this game is particularly pivotal as they aim to extend their impressive winning streak, marked by twelve victories out of their last thirteen matches. They come off a significant win against the Los Angeles Lakers, where they secured a 122-110 victory, highlighting their remarkable offensive prowess. Jarrett Allen has been central to their success, posting 27 points and 14 rebounds against the Lakers, and is averaging 10.1 rebounds per game overall this season, adding depth to the Cavaliers' front line.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are predicted to dominate, currently favored by 7.5 points. Their high-scoring offense averages 122.4 points per game, the second-best leaguewide, largely facilitated by the stellar play of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, both anticipated to lead the team well on the offensive end.
Despite the Cavaliers' formidable lineup, they enter the matchup with threats posed by the Mavericks, who are grappling with injuries. Luka Dončić, their standout player, is sidelined with a calf injury sustained during the Christmas Day game against Minnesota and is expected to be evaluated later this month. The absence of Dončić has plunged the Mavericks' offensive capabilities, prompting reliance on Kyrie Irving, who is averaging 24.3 points per game, alongside other key players like Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie.
"The absence of Luka Dončić for the Mavericks significantly changes the game’s dynamics," noted CBS Sports, underscoring the challenges Dallas faces without their star. With Dončić out and P.J. Washington and Maxi Kleber also dealing with uncertainties surrounding their health, the Mavericks are tasked with rallying to regain competitive form.
Historically, the Cavaliers and Mavericks have faced each other evenly over the last few years, each team winning five games against the other since November 2019. Their last encounter was on February 27, 2024, where the Cavaliers narrowly escaped with a 121-119 victory, showcasing the competitive nature between these two squads. The Cavaliers though have not only been victorious but have also excelled offensively this season under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, improving their pace and aggressiveness on the floor.
Atkinson’s influence has transformed the Cavaliers’ approach, shifting to faster-paced gameplay with more emphasis on three-point shooting—averaging 40.3 attempts per game. This has played significantly well for them, allowing them to score more points consistently throughout games.
The Mavericks are struggling amid adversity and will need to find their momentum quickly. Over their past three games, they’ve been outscored significantly, primarily due to increased turnovers and missed opportunities. Their latest loss against the Houston Rockets exacerbated their woes, emphasizing the urgency for the Mavericks to adapt swiftly to the changing dynamics presented by these injuries.
The latest betting lines reflect the cautious optimism for the Cavaliers, who are universally viewed as the favorites, boasting -290 odds of winning outright. Conversely, the Mavericks are listed at +235, indicating the uphill battle they face under current team conditions.
Fans can catch the action live via NBA League Pass or through regional broadcasts to see whether the Cavaliers can continue their remarkable streak and whether the Mavericks can find the spark needed to turn their season around without their cornerstone player on the floor. With such high stakes, the contest promises to deliver compelling basketball this January evening.
Looking forward, the outcome of this clash will likely hinge not only on the performances of superstars like Donovan Mitchell and Kyrie Irving, but also on how well each team can leverage its available talent to claim victory. While the Cavaliers aim to maintain their elite standing, the Mavericks must rally together for what promises to be tough competition.