Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 20 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Dallas Mavericks will open a two-game road swing with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. Dallas, which held on to beat the Detroit Pistons 116-114 in overtime two nights ago, looks to start another winning streak. Anthony Davis (illness) is on the injury report as probable but is expected to play. Klay Thompson (knee) is questionable.

Meanwhile, the 76ers hope to build momentum after arguably their biggest win of the season, a 116-107 victory against the New York Knicks on Friday. Philly, though, might miss veterans dealing with nagging injuries or on injury management, as it hosts the Mavs less than 24 hours after beating the Knicks.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Mavericks (+103) vs. 76ers (-123)

Odds: Mavericks (+1.5 -110) vs. 76ers (+1.5 -110)

Total (O/U): Mavericks (o227.5 -110) vs. 76ers (u227.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers preview

The Mavericks edged the Pistons on Thursday despite shooting 19% from deep, surrendering 26 offensive rebounds and losing the turnover battle 17-12. Dallas can’t afford to give up the same advantages to Philadlephia and hope to get away with another win.

The Mavs must control the paint and limit their turnovers. Keeping the speedy 76ers guards from racking up fastbreak points is another goal the Mavs must accomplish.

Meanwhile, the 76ers shot 41% from deep, the key reason they pulled off an upset against the Knicks. Philly, though, averages 36.5% from 3-point distance, making it likely it will regress to its usual efficiency. If the 76ers can replicate that red-hot shooting, they will be tough to beat.

A crucial area for the home team to focus on will be points in the paint scoring. Against the Knicks, they gave up 60 points in the restricted area while making just 36.

The Mavs have good inside operators led by Anthony Davis. Cooper Flagg also loves to attack the rim. Philly has to work as a unit to protect the paint, particularly if Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid are not available.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers predicted starting lineups

Mavericks

PG: Ryan Nembhard | SF: Cooper Flagg | SF: Naji Marshall | PF: P.J. Washington | C: Anthony Davis

76ers

PG: Tyrese Maxey | SG: VJ Edgecombe | SG: Quentin Grimes | PF: Dominick Barlow | C: Andre Drummond

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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers betting tips

Tyrese Maxey has caught fire again, averaging 29.5 points in his last two games. The cat-quick point guard also loves playing against the Mavericks, averaging 24.6 ppg in his last five games against them. Expect Maxey to top his 29.5 (O/U) points prop.

Cooper Flagg has been superb in December. From 15.6 ppg in the first two months, the rookie is putting up 24.0 ppg this month on 51.2% efficiency. Against Philly’s hobbled roster, he could breeze past his 18.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers prediction

The Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers are coming off upset wins, giving them confidence heading into their showdown. It’s a tough call, but the Mavs have better rest and will likely have Anthony Davis. Dallas might have enough to walk away from Philly with a win.

Edited by Michael Macasero