The Cleveland Cavaliers (40‑26, fourth in the East) travel to Dallas to face the Mavericks (22‑44, 12th in the West) on Friday night at American Airlines Center. Cleveland is looking to solidify its playoff positioning, while Dallas is simply trying to stop the bleeding after dropping eight straight at home.
The Cavaliers have won six straight against the Mavericks, including a 128‑117 victory in late February. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden lead Cleveland’s offense, which ranks third in the league at 119.7 points per game.
Dallas, meanwhile, has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, with Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II both out for the season. Cooper Flagg has been a bright spot, averaging nearly 20 points per game, but the Mavericks’ lack of depth has made them vulnerable.
Oddsmakers have Cleveland favored by 12.5 points, with the total set at 234.5. This matchup is a test of whether Dallas can muster enough offense to hang around or if Cleveland’s firepower will overwhelm them again.
Best Bet: Cavaliers -12.5 (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook
Cleveland’s dominance in this matchup makes them the sharper side to back. The Cavaliers have won six straight against Dallas, covering in four of those contests. Their offense ranks third in the league, averaging nearly 120 points per game, while Dallas has struggled defensively, allowing 117.7 points per game.
Donovan Mitchell’s scoring and Harden’s playmaking should exploit Dallas’ rotations, especially given the Mavericks’ poor three‑point shooting (34.2%, 27th in the league) and free‑throw percentage (74.4%, 29th). Dallas has lost eight straight at home and failed to cover in seven consecutive games against Cleveland.
The Cavaliers’ balance, depth, and ability to generate assists (28.5 per game, eighth in the league) should keep the offense flowing. While the total of 234.5 leans toward the under given Dallas’ scoring drought, the spread is the sharper angle. Cleveland’s firepower and Dallas’ injuries make Cavaliers -12.5 the best bet.
This safer parlay leans on the stars to hit their averages while banking on the under, which ties in with Dallas’ offensive struggles and Cleveland’s ability to control tempo.
The longshot parlay hinges on Harden’s playmaking, Christie finding his rhythm from deep, and Cleveland pulling away late. Given the Cavaliers’ recent dominance, this scenario is plausible.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | -12.5 (-110) | -650 | O 234.5 (-110) |
| Mavericks | +12.5 (-110) | +475 | U 234.5 (-110) |
Odds updated: March 13, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. ET. Lines may move throughout the day.
| Team | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | Jarrett Allen | Knee | Out |
| Cavaliers | Max Strus | Foot | Out |
| Cavaliers | Tyrese Proctor | Quadriceps | Day to day |
| Mavericks | Kyrie Irving | Knee | Out for season |
| Mavericks | Dereck Lively II | Foot | Out for season |
| Mavericks | Klay Thompson | Rest | Day to day |
The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 13.
The matchup will be held at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
The game will be broadcast regionally on FDSN OH, RESN, and WUAB, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Arena | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| TV/Streaming | FDSN OH / RESN / WUAB / NBA League Pass |
nba
nfl
wnba We use cookies for ads and to improve your experience. By continuing on the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Read more about it