The Dallas Mavericks hit the road for the first time this season after opening with a five-game homestand. The Detroit Pistons are also packing their bags after three straight at home.
The teams will meet in Mexico City tonight, and my Mavericks vs. Pistons predictions and free NBA picks for this south-of-the-border matchup on November 1 believe that Motown continues to roll over a Dallas team that’s not at full strength.
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Mavericks vs Pistons prediction
Mavericks vs Pistons best bet: Under 227 (-110)
Despite the friendly schedule to open the season, the Dallas Mavericks are just 2-3. Two of the three home losses came by double-digits, and the Mavs’ only wins have come against Toronto and Indiana, two teams that are a combined 2-9 on the young season.
The Pacers game was nearly a loss, as Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith missed a wide-open three at the buzzer that would have wiped out Dallas’ two-point edge.
Size was supposed to be an advantage for the Mavericks, but Big D has gotten significantly smaller as a wave of injuries has hit the post. Daniel Gafford (ankle) has yet to play this season, and Dereck Lively II (knee) has missed the last two games. Neither will suit up in Mexico City.
Anthony Davis also went down with a calf problem in the last game that will keep him out at least the next two tilts.
Suddenly, Dallas is down to Dwight Powell and two-way center Moussa Cisse as the only size on the roster. Dallas was already dead-last in the league in offensive rating, and, with coach Jason Kidd experimenting with new combinations on the floor after the unexpected hole in the paint, the struggles are likely to continue.
The Detroit Pistons aren’t much better on offense. The shots haven’t been falling so far this season — Detroit ranks No. 27 in the league in shooting percentage and No. 27 in effective shooting.
Star guard Cade Cunningham is shooting below 40% through the first five, 73 points lower than last season, and the Pistons are 24th in the NBA in offensive rating.
Despite the offensive woes, both teams are in the Top 10 in defensive rating, although Dallas takes a big hit on that side of the floor with Davis out.
The two teams have gone Under in seven of their first 10 games. Playing in a strange (for them) arena isn’t likely to help either team find an offensive spark. That’s why I like the teams to go Under 227 points.
Mavericks vs Pistons same-game parlay
Someone has to get the ball in the post for Dallas, and P.J. Washington is just about the only man left standing. He has scored Over 15.5 points in four of his first five games, and his usage should only go up with Davis on the shelf.
I expect a big game from Detroit’s bigs — Jaren Duren and Isaiah Stewart — as well, but the odds are most favorable on Washington going Over. So, we’ll put him in our three-leg parlay, along with the Pistons covering the spread vs. shorthanded Dallas.
Mavericks vs Pistons SGP
- Under 227
- P.J. Washington Over 15.5 points
- Pistons -8
Our "from downtown" SGP: Duren gets it done
Duren has gone Over 20 points in two of his last three. He’s looking at a potential breakout year, and he won't have to deal with Davis on Saturday night.
Mavericks vs Pistons SGP
- Under 227
- P.J. Washington Over 15.5 points
- Pistons -8
- Jalen Duren Over 14.5 points
Mavericks vs Pistons odds
- Spread: Mavericks +8 | Pistons -8
- Moneyline: Mavericks +250 | Pistons -320
- Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227
Mavericks vs Pistons betting trend to know
Detroit has covered and gone Under in two of the last three — and three of the last five — against Dallas. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Pistons.
How to watch Mavericks vs Pistons
| Location | Arena CDMX, Mexico City, MX |
| Date | Saturday, November 1, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Mavericks vs Pistons latest injuries
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