Mavericks vs. Thunder NBA Cup Prediction & Betting Odds

In the nightcap of Tuesday’s NBA Cup doubleheader, the Oklahoma City Thunder (18-5) will host the Dallas Mavericks (16-8) at 9:30 p.m. ET inside the Paycom Center.

These two teams met in the Western Conference semifinals a year ago, with the Mavericks besting the Thunder on their way to an NBA Finals appearance. But Oklahoma City has been the best team in the West this year and is the favorite to win this year’s NBA Cup.

Here is a look at the latest Mavericks vs. Thunder NBA odds and my best bet ahead of Tuesday’s matchup:

Mavericks vs. Thunder NBA Cup Odds, Dec. 10

• Point spread: Thunder -3.5
• Moneyline: Mavericks +150/Thunder -185
• Total: 231.5

Mavericks vs. Thunder NBA Cup Prediction

Based on the latest NBA betting lines, my favorite Mavericks vs. Thunder NBA Cup prediction is under 231.5 in a high-stakes matchup that should feature plenty of defensive effort.

The Thunder have been elite on the defensive end, leading the league in defensive rating (103.3) through 23 games. For comparison, the Minnesota Timberwolves paced the NBA with a defensive rating of 108.4 last year.

Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense has led to an 11-12 clip to the under this year. The Mavericks’ offensive firepower will test this unit, but the Thunder have the length to disrupt any team.

The Mavs are 13-10-1 to the over, but this total seems a touch too high, especially since these two teams had a closing total of 225.5 during their most recent meeting on Nov. 17.

I’ll take the under on a higher total in a rematch with a trip to Las Vegas on the line.