The New York Knicks are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This inter-conference matchup comes at a crucial moment for both teams, with the Knicks looking to maintain their playoff positioning and the Mavericks striving to keep their playoff hopes alive.
As the Knicks (44-26) face off against the Mavericks (35-37), the matchup is anticipated to provide an exciting display of basketball. The Knicks enter the game having won their last contest decisively, defeating the Washington Wizards 122-103 on Saturday, March 22. In that game, Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with an impressive 31 points and 11 rebounds, with Mikal Bridges adding 27 points and OG Anunoby contributing 23 points. Their robust performance raised the Knicks to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they are eager to establish a strong home advantage as the playoffs approach.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are coming off a 120-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on March 24, where Naji Marshall shone with 22 points. This win came as a relief for the Mavericks, who have struggled throughout March, registering a 3-9 record over their last twelve games. Adding to their challenges, the team lost star player Kyrie Irving to an ACL injury, making it tougher to sustain consistent scoring. Last time they faced off against the Knicks, the Mavericks took a commanding 129-114 victory on November 27, 2024, but underscoring the stakes is the fact that their star player, Luka Doncic, was sidelined during that game.
The Knicks have a significant edge in this matchup, having established themselves not only as a competitive team in the East but also as formidable at home with a 23-11 record. They are currently ranked 9th in the league for points scored per game with an average of 116.4. Furthermore, with no game played since Saturday, the Knicks have an advantage in terms of rest, while the Mavericks will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Will Anthony Davis, who returned to action against the Nets, be able to bring the same energy into this game, or will fatigue set in as he plans to keep his minutes limited given the back-to-back situation? With all signs pointing to him being a game-time decision, his presence could be pivotal for Dallas.
The betting odds for the matchup favor the Knicks, who are currently set as 10-point favorites at home, while the over/under is at 224.5 points. This reflects the general expectation that the Knicks' offense will be able to exploit the Mavericks' weaknesses — particularly their defensive struggles that have led to allowing 120 points or more in 10 out of their last 12 games.
As the season approaches its climax, this contest represents a crucial juncture for both teams. With Dallas seeking a spot in the play-in tournament, every game is vital. However, conflicting motivations — whether to push for the playoffs or set themselves up for a more favorable draft pick — may influence the Mavericks' performance.
For those interested in betting, the SportsLine Projection Model, noted for its successful predictions over the past seasons, has simulated this game 10,000 times, hinting at favorable values for some outcomes. Following their recent performances, the model indicates that the point total may slightly exceed the set line — projecting a game total of approximately 225 points.
The Mavericks have covered the spread in three straight games and appear focused despite recent troubles. However, many pundits expect Klay Thompson’s ability to score remaining capped, particularly due to past struggles against the Knicks’ defensive strategy, leading some to predict that Thompson might finish under his points prop of 14.5.
All eyes will be on how well the Mavericks handle the Knicks’ defensive pressure while attempting to capitalize on any potential fatigue. However, the Knicks, buoyed by their recent victories and improved depth, would likely see this as an opportunity to solidify their position heading into the postseason.
In summary, as basketball fans eagerly anticipate this matchup, the table is set for an intriguing battle that highlights both teams' current states — the Knicks aiming for a playoff push while the Mavericks fight for survival in the competitive landscape of the Western Conference.
