Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks: Expect a Tightly Contested Game

• The Miami Heat enter this game off the back of a victory in their last match!

• The Dallas Mavericks have now lost three games in a row.

• The Heat and Mavericks split last year's regular season series, 1-1.

The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks face off in what is certainly the pick 'em game of the evening! The Heat currently sit sixth in the odds to win NBA Eastern Conference, with a 25-21 overall record and an 11-12 road record. The Mavericks are fifth in the Western Conference, owning a 24-22 overall record and a 16-7 home record.

This will be the first time these two teams meet this season. Through the 2021-22 NBA season, the Mavericks and Heat split their regular season series 1-1. A win for either team won't move them up in their conference standing, but both are fortunately in playoff position. Expect a tightly contested game!

This matchup could also have a significant impact on the latest NBA Western Conference odds as the Mavericks continue battling for playoff positioning in a crowded West.

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Head-to-Head: Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks

Injury Report

Spread: Miami Heat -1.0 (-110) @ WynnBet

The Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks are set to put on a tightly contested game when they face off on Friday night! The Heat have now won four of their last five games, with this match against Dallas being the last of a three-game road trip. On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks have won just one of their last five games - with their defensive standards being a massive issue.

The Heat continue to win off the back of their defence, even if their shooting has been inconsistent over the course of their last five games. Miami are shooting just 47.5% from the field and 32.3% from deep, but they're outrebounding opponents by a margin of 11.2 while also forcing 14.4 turnovers per game. The Mavericks' defensive struggles have been apparent, and the return of Luka Doncic to the lineup hasn't changed that. Dallas have allowed 126.8 points per game over their last five, with their opponents shooting 49.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range.

The Mavericks have the ability to turn around any game off the performance of Luka Doncic, but it's difficult to imagine them overcoming Miami's stalwart defence. Due to injuries and depth the Heat have the advantage inside the paint, specifically where the Mavericks have been struggling over their recent run of form.

Total: O 217.0 (-110) @ DraftKings Sportsbook

On average, neither the Miami Heat nor Dallas Mavericks are known to be amongst the elite in terms of scoring ability. Miami currently average a combined points total of 217.8 points per game on a plus-0.6 points differential. Dallas currently average a combined points total of 225.6 per game on a plus-0.2 points differential.

The Miami Heat's recent 4-1 run of form has seen them average a combined points total of 219.0, while clearing 217.0 in just two of their matches. The Dallas Mavericks' recent 1-4 run of form has seen them average a combined points total of 243.6, clearing 217.0 in four of their last five games - mostly due to their dreadful defence.

Dallas are sure to be slowed down by Miami's tenacious defence, but the Heat offence doesn't project to be particularly prolific in this matchup. By nature of the league's pace, we expect these teams to clear 217.0 - but it will be particularly hard fought.

How to Watch Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks

• Who: Miami Heat & Dallas Mavericks
• Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
• When: 7:30 PM EST, Friday, January 20, 2023
• How to Watch: ESPN, NBA League Pass (Stream)