After a thrilling win last night in Phoenix, Dallas looks to start this road trip with two straight wins as they play a very young Portland team for the third time. Even without Luka Doncic, Naji Marshall and PJ Washington, the Mavericks are better than the Trailblazers. This is a trap game for Dallas, but it’s very hard to trap yourself in Portland.

Game details

Schedule: Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trailblazers | NBA 2024-2025

Date and time: Saturday, December 28, 2024; 9:00 p.m. CST

Venue: Moda Center, Portland, OR.

Outcome odds

• Spread: Dallas -4.5 (-108)
• O/U 222.5 (-112/-108)
• Mavs ML: -175

Current odds as of 2:30pm CST from DraftKings

With the entire team playing, I would have had concerns about the Mavericks’ chances in this game. Now that the suspensions of PJ Washington and Naji Marshall have been announced, I have never been more confident about the Mavericks in this game. Before I take any Mavericks-to-win props, I need to take the over at 222.5. This will be a game with little defense.

Player props

• Deandre Ayton over 15.5 points (-125)
• Kyrie Irving gets 30+ points (+135)

Greg Oden is scheduled to speak with the Blazers team before the game tonight. I think this will give Ayton a boost in an already solid matchup. Kyrie Irving will lead the Dallas team to play for their fallen brothers.

Game of the day

• Parlay: Mavericks -4.5 and over 119.5 points (+268)

Dallas has won six straight times against Portland, averaging 131 points. The Mavericks will clearly beat Portland tonight and score at least 120 points again.