On Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers (39-9) host the Dallas Mavericks (26-23) in a cross-conference matchup with significant implications. The Mavericks made the shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, and their roster will be shorthanded on Sunday. The Cavs have been in excellent form lately, winning three straight games by double digits. Can they keep it rolling at home on Sunday afternoon? Let’s dive into the matchup and find out.
Mavericks vs Cavaliers Odds
Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers, Feb. 2 3:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -15.5 (-110) | -900 | O 226 (-110) |
| Dallas Mavericks | +15.5 (-110) | +610 | U 226 (-110) |
Odds as of February 2, 2025 at Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Pick
Dallas Mavericks +15.5 (-106 FanDuel)
After the shocking decision to trade him to the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic on Sunday. That move will reverberate through the league and likely be a franchise-defining moment for the Mavs. In the meantime, they will attempt to suit up and play a basketball game as Kyrie Irving returns to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers drafted him.
Irving has been in excellent form lately, averaging 24.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over his last ten games. He’ll be asked to carry the offensive burden in this matchup, but the Mavericks can also bank on ancillary help. P.J. Washington has averaged 18.3 points and 10.8 rebounds over his last ten games, and his two-way versatility will be vital against a potent Cavaliers frontcourt.
A significant piece of what has made Cleveland so unstoppable this season has been its frontcourt tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, especially with Mobley’s continued evolution on the offensive end. With Dereck Lively sidelined and Anthony Davis not ready to suit up, the Mavs will depend on Washington and Daniel Gafford to contain that frontcourt duo.
While the Mavericks are shorthanded in this game, they have enough personnel to keep things competitive with a steep 13-point spread. While the rest of the NBA world continues to attempt to process the Doncic trade, bet on Dallas to hang around against Cleveland on Sunday.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Prop
P.J. Washington Over 27.5 Points + Rebounds (-125)
P.J. Washington has been a vital piece of the Mavericks’ frontcourt since his last year's trade acquisition, but especially so with Dereck Lively sidelined. He has logged significant minutes as a small-ball center in addition to his typical run at power forward.
As a result, Washington has cleared this prop in four of his last five games, averaging 33.6 points and rebounds over that span. If this game remains somewhat competitive, expect Washington to see significant minutes against a potent Cavaliers frontcourt. His presence will be vital, so expect another strong performance.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
- The Mavericks are 7-7-1 ATS as a road underdog
- The Cavaliers are 17-9 ATS as a home favorite
- The Mavericks are 12-9-1 ATS after a loss
