The Detroit Pistons head to the Lone Star State on Thursday to face the Dallas Mavericks. Detroit is atop the Eastern Conference standings with a 21-5 record, while the Mavs are just 12th in the West with a 10-17 mark.
That said, my Pistons vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks are taking the points with Dallas at home.
Pistons vs Mavericks prediction
Pistons vs Mavericks best bet: Mavericks +6 (-110)
The Detroit Pistons have won six of their last seven games to improve to 21-5. The Pistons are second in the NBA in defensive rating, while their offense is anchored by Cade Cunningham, who averages 27.1 points and 9.2 assists per game.
The Dallas Mavericks have struggled this season but are 5-2 straight up and against the spread in their last seven games. They're coming off a 140-133 loss in Utah on Monday when they were missing superstar Anthony Davis.
The oft-injured forward logged a full practice yesterday, which bodes well for him playing tonight despite being listed as questionable.
Rookie Cooper Flagg dropped 42 points on Monday and has stepped up his play lately. The first pick overall is averaging 25.7 ppg on 54.5% shooting with 3.6 apg over his last seven contests.
After the Pistons won 13 games in a row in November, books have realized just how good they are and have adjusted the lines accordingly. That has led to Detroit going 3-6 ATS in its last nine games.
The Mavs have been covering the spread lately, and Flagg is improving with every game. With AD in the lineup, they've been competitive, and I expect them to keep things within two possessions at home tonight.
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Pistons vs Mavericks same-game parlay
I'm backing the Mavs on the spread because I expect Davis to suit up and Flagg's ascent to continue, so it makes sense to back both players in this SGP. Flagg has dropped 22+ points in five of his last seven games.
Meanwhile, Davis has snagged 13+ boards in three of his last five contests. This could be a showcase game for AD with trade rumors linking him to Detroit earlier this year. What better way to raise his stock than feed him minutes and let him shine against a possible trade suitor?
Pistons vs Mavericks SGP
- Mavericks +6
- Cooper Flagg Over 19.5 points
- Anthony Davis Over 10.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big day for AD!
Let's go all out on AD since he's also dropped more than 3.5 dimes in four of his last six games and is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA.
Pistons vs Mavericks SGP
- Mavericks +6
- Cooper Flagg Over 19.5 points
- Anthony Davis Over 10.5 rebounds
- Anthony Davis Over 3.5 assists
- Anthony Davis Over 1.5 blocks
Pistons vs Mavericks odds
- Spread: Pistons -6 | Mavericks +6
- Moneyline: Pistons -240 | Mavericks +195
- Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Pistons vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Mavericks have covered the second-half spread in 18 of their last 25 games for +10.18 units and a 36% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Pistons vs Mavericks
| Location | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| Date | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Detroit, KFAA |
Pistons vs Mavericks latest injuries
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