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NBA · Final

Mavericks Edge Rockets in Close Contest

Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets21-11
104
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks13-23
110

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · American Airlines Center

Dallas Mavericks 110, Houston Rockets 104, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks?

Dallas Mavericks beat Houston Rockets 110-104 at American Airlines Center on January 3, 2026.

Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks?

Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested game at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks secured a 110-104 victory over the Houston Rockets. This matchup is notable as it marked the fourth encounter of the season between these two teams, with Dallas now leading the series 3-1. The Mavericks have struggled this season with a home record of 13-23, while the Rockets have performed significantly better, holding an away record of 21-11.

The Mavericks entered the game on a four-game losing streak, having lost their last ten games with a record of 3-7. In their last five games, they averaged 116.8 points scored while allowing 123.4 points. Their most recent games included a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where they fell 108-123, and a narrow defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers, losing 122-125. Despite their recent struggles, the Mavericks managed to find a way to win against the Rockets, showcasing resilience in front of their home crowd.

On the other hand, the Rockets came into the game riding a four-game winning streak, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, averaging 119.7 points scored and allowing 113.9 points. Their recent victories included a dominant 120-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets and a 126-119 win against the Indiana Pacers. The Rockets appeared to be in good form, but the Mavericks’ performance disrupted their momentum.

In terms of home and away performance, the Mavericks have struggled significantly on the road, with a 0-6 record in their last six away games. Conversely, the Rockets have fared well away from home, boasting a 3-4 record in their last seven away games.

The injury report for both teams was notable, as several key players were listed as day-to-day. For the Mavericks, Santi Aldama, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II were all uncertain due to knee and foot issues. The Rockets also faced challenges with Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all listed as day-to-day due to ankle and knee injuries. The health of these players could impact future performances for both teams.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 228.5 points. The odds reflected the Rockets’ stronger season performance, but the Mavericks’ home advantage ultimately played a crucial role in the outcome of the game.

The conditions for the game were typical for a January evening in Dallas, with fans filling the arena to support their team. The atmosphere was electric, and the Mavericks capitalized on their home court advantage. As the game progressed, key scoring plays in the fourth quarter included a driving layup by Kevin Durant and a three-point jumper by Tari Eason, but it was not enough to overcome the Mavericks' lead.

In the final moments of the game, Dallas maintained their composure, with Anthony Davis contributing crucial free throws that helped seal the victory. The Mavericks' ability to execute in high-pressure situations was evident, and they demonstrated a level of grit that had been missing in previous outings.

Overall, this game highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, showcasing how a struggling team can rise to the occasion against a stronger opponent. The Mavericks’ win against the Rockets not only adds to their series lead but also provides a much-needed boost in confidence as they look to turn their season around.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsHOU -7.5 228.5 o -105 / u -115 Houston Rockets -325 · Dallas Mavericks +260

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
  • Kyrie IrvingDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
  • Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks
  • Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
  • Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
  • Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets

Leaders

  • PointsAnthony Davis26Dallas Mavericks
  • AssistsCooper Flagg6Dallas Mavericks
  • ReboundsAnthony Davis12Dallas Mavericks
  • PointsKevin Durant34Houston Rockets
  • AssistsKevin Durant7Houston Rockets
  • ReboundsAmen Thompson12Houston Rockets

Recent form

Dallas Mavericks

Last 10: 3-7Streak L4117.9 scored · 122.2 allowed per game3-1 at home

  • L108-123vs Philadelphia 76ersJan 2
  • L122-125at Portland Trail BlazersDec 30
  • L107-113at Sacramento KingsDec 27
  • L116-126at Golden State WarriorsDec 25
  • W131-130vs Denver NuggetsDec 24
  • L113-119at New Orleans PelicansDec 23
  • L114-121at Philadelphia 76ersDec 21
  • W116-114vs Detroit PistonsDec 19
  • L133-140at Utah JazzDec 16
  • W119-111vs Brooklyn NetsDec 13

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak W4119.7 scored · 113.9 allowed per game3-4 away

  • W120-96at Brooklyn NetsJan 1
  • W126-119vs Indiana PacersDec 30
  • W117-100vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 28
  • W119-96at Los Angeles LakersDec 26
  • L108-128at LA ClippersDec 24
  • L124-125at Sacramento KingsDec 22
  • W115-101at Denver NuggetsDec 20
  • L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
  • L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
  • W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
San Antonio-20L1.75662
Houston1030W1.63452
New Orleans3656L2.31726
Dallas3656W1.31726
Memphis3757L8.30525

Box score

StatHouston RocketsDallas Mavericks
Field goals41-10644-80
Field goal %3955
Three-pointers10-418-21
Three-point %2438
Free throws12-1514-18
Free throw %8078
Rebounds5147
Offensive rebounds172
Defensive rebounds3445
Assists2424
Steals136
Blocks710
Turnovers915
Team turnovers01
Technical fouls10
Technical fouls, total10
Flagrant fouls01
Points off turnovers1020
Fast-break points1421
Points in the paint5466
Fouls1715
Largest lead1117
Lead changes55
Time in front2668

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter65-71Naji Marshall makes driving layup
  2. 3rd Quarter65-74Max Christie makes 22-foot running jump shot (Brandon Williams assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter67-74Clint Capela makes tip shot
  4. 3rd Quarter67-76Max Christie makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
  5. 3rd Quarter67-78Brandon Williams makes 2-foot two point shot
  6. 3rd Quarter67-80Caleb Martin makes 1-foot running dunk
  7. 3rd Quarter69-80Kevin Durant makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
  8. 3rd Quarter69-81Klay Thompson makes technical free throw
  9. 3rd Quarter71-81Josh Okogie makes 1-foot dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
  10. 3rd Quarter71-83Brandon Williams makes driving layup
  11. 3rd Quarter73-83Tari Eason makes driving layup (Reed Sheppard assists)
  12. 3rd Quarter73-85Anthony Davis makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Brandon Williams assists)
  13. 3rd Quarter74-85Tari Eason makes free throw 1 of 2
  14. 3rd Quarter75-85Tari Eason makes free throw 2 of 2
  15. 3rd Quarter75-87Anthony Davis makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Naji Marshall assists)
  16. 4th Quarter77-87Amen Thompson makes 17-foot two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
  17. 4th Quarter77-89Cooper Flagg makes 7-foot two point shot
  18. 4th Quarter77-92Klay Thompson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Daniel Gafford assists)
  19. 4th Quarter77-93Daniel Gafford makes free throw 1 of 2
  20. 4th Quarter79-93Kevin Durant makes 7-foot fade away jump shot
  21. 4th Quarter79-96Max Christie makes 25-foot three pointer
  22. 4th Quarter82-96Kevin Durant makes 26-foot three point jumper
  23. 4th Quarter84-96Amen Thompson makes driving layup
  24. 4th Quarter87-96Dorian Finney-Smith makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
  25. 4th Quarter87-98Ryan Nembhard makes driving layup
  26. 4th Quarter87-101Max Christie makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Nembhard assists)
  27. 4th Quarter89-101Kevin Durant makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
  28. 4th Quarter91-101Jabari Smith Jr. makes 1-foot running dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
  29. 4th Quarter92-101Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter93-101Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
  31. 4th Quarter93-104Klay Thompson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Anthony Davis assists)
  32. 4th Quarter95-104Kevin Durant makes driving layup
  33. 4th Quarter96-104Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
  34. 4th Quarter98-104Kevin Durant makes driving layup
  35. 4th Quarter98-106Brandon Williams makes driving layup (Naji Marshall assists)
  36. 4th Quarter101-106Tari Eason makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kevin Durant assists)
  37. 4th Quarter101-108Max Christie makes 1-foot driving dunk
  38. 4th Quarter101-109Anthony Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter101-110Anthony Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter104-110Tari Eason makes 30-foot three pointer (Aaron Holiday assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Dallas Mavericks, below favours Houston Rockets.

Venue

  • American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
  • Attendance19703
  • OfficialsDerrick Collins, Curtis Blair, Andy Nagy

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.