Mavericks Edge Pistons in Overtime Thriller
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 8:30 PM ET · American Airlines Center
Dallas Mavericks 116, Detroit Pistons 114, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks?
Dallas Mavericks beat Detroit Pistons 116-114 at American Airlines Center on December 18, 2025.
Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks?
Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime matchup, the Dallas Mavericks narrowly defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-114 at the American Airlines Center on December 19, 2025. This victory marks a crucial win for the Mavericks, who have been struggling with a home record of 11-17 this season, while the Pistons, boasting a strong away record of 21-6, have been on a four-game winning streak leading into this contest.
The Mavericks entered the game with a mixed recent form, having won five and lost five of their last ten games. They averaged 116.5 points scored and 116.8 points allowed during this stretch. Their most recent game was a loss against the Utah Jazz, where they fell 133-140. In contrast, the Pistons have been in excellent form, winning seven of their last ten games with an average of 119.1 points scored and 114.0 points allowed. Their last outing was a victory over the Boston Celtics, winning 112-105.
At home, the Mavericks have a record of 3-1 in their last four games, while the Pistons have performed well on the road, holding a 3-2 record in their last five away games. The teams were tied 1-1 in their previous meetings this season, with the Mavericks winning the most recent encounter 123-117 at home on March 22, 2025, after losing earlier in the season 110-122.
In terms of injuries, the Mavericks faced challenges with three players listed as day-to-day: Santi Aldama (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), and Dereck Lively II (foot). Their availability was uncertain leading up to the game, which could have impacted the team's performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pistons favored by 5.5 points with a total set at 230.5. The odds reflected the Pistons' strong season thus far, with a moneyline of -218 for the away team and +180 for the Mavericks.
The game conditions were competitive, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Mavericks scored 116 points, while the Pistons managed 114, leading to an overtime period after a tightly contested regulation time. Key moments in the fourth quarter included Cooper Flagg making a pullup jump shot to give the Mavericks a slight edge, followed by Isaiah Stewart tying the game with a pair of free throws.
In overtime, the scoring was intense, with both teams exchanging leads. Brandon Williams contributed with crucial free throws for the Pistons, while Cade Cunningham and Anthony Davis made significant plays, including a dunk by Davis that ultimately secured the Mavericks' victory. The final scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with the Mavericks managing to edge out the Pistons in a closely fought battle.
Overall, this matchup was significant not only for the standings but also for the momentum it could provide the Mavericks as they look to improve their season. The close scoreline and the competitive spirit displayed by both teams made for an exciting game that will be remembered by fans.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -5.5 | 230.5 o -110 / u -110 | Detroit Pistons -218 · Dallas Mavericks +180 |
Injury report
- Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
- Kyrie IrvingDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
- Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks
Leaders
- PointsCooper Flagg23Dallas Mavericks
- AssistsRyan Nembhard7Dallas Mavericks
- ReboundsAnthony Davis14Dallas Mavericks
- PointsCade Cunningham29Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham9Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren13Detroit Pistons
Recent form
Dallas Mavericks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1116.5 scored · 116.8 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L133-140at Utah JazzDec 16
- W119-111vs Brooklyn NetsDec 13
- W122-109vs Houston RocketsDec 7
- L111-132at Oklahoma City ThunderDec 6
- W118-108vs Miami HeatDec 4
- W131-121at Denver NuggetsDec 2
- W114-110at LA ClippersNov 30
- L119-129at Los Angeles LakersNov 29
- L102-106at Miami HeatNov 25
- L96-102vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 23
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 7-3Streak W4119.1 scored · 114 allowed per game3-2 away
- W112-105at Boston CelticsDec 16
- W142-115vs Atlanta HawksDec 13
- W124-112vs Milwaukee BucksDec 7
- W122-116vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 6
- L109-113at Milwaukee BucksDec 4
- W99-98vs Atlanta HawksDec 2
- W138-135at Miami HeatNov 30
- L109-112vs Orlando MagicNov 29
- L114-117at Boston CelticsNov 26
- W122-117at Indiana PacersNov 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Detroit Pistons | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 47-122 | 40-89 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 6-33 | 5-27 |
| Three-point % | 18 | 19 |
| Free throws | 14-20 | 31-36 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 62 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 26 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 40 |
| Assists | 26 | 22 |
| Steals | 11 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 15 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 3 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 70 | 60 |
| Fouls | 27 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 14 | 77 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter75-88D'Angelo Russell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-89D'Angelo Russell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-89Paul Reed makes 9-foot jumper (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-89Daniss Jenkins makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter79-91Daniel Gafford makes layup (Klay Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter81-91Paul Reed makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter84-91Daniss Jenkins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 4th Quarter84-93Anthony Davis makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-93Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-93Ronald Holland II makes running layup
- 4th Quarter89-93Daniss Jenkins makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 4th Quarter91-93Ronald Holland II makes layup (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- 4th Quarter91-95Cooper Flagg makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter92-95Isaiah Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-95Isaiah Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-95Daniss Jenkins makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter95-96Brandon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-97Brandon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-97Caris LeVert makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-97Isaiah Stewart makes 1-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter101-97Cade Cunningham makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter101-99P.J. Washington makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-101Anthony Davis makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter103-101Caris LeVert makes 4-foot jump bank shot (Jalen Duren assists)
- 4th Quarter103-102Naji Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-104Naji Marshall makes 5-foot running jump shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter103-106Anthony Davis makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter105-106Cade Cunningham makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter107-106Cade Cunningham makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter108-106Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-106Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-108Cooper Flagg makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter109-110Cooper Flagg makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter110-110Isaiah Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT110-111Brandon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT110-112Brandon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT112-112Cade Cunningham makes driving layup (Javonte Green assists)
- OT112-114Anthony Davis makes dunk
- OT114-114Cade Cunningham makes 2-foot two point shot
- OT114-116Anthony Davis makes 1-foot dunk (Cooper Flagg assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Dallas Mavericks, below favours Detroit Pistons.
Venue
- American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
- Attendance19600
- OfficialsBrent Barnaky, John Goble, Suyash Mehta
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