Mavericks and Kings Square Off in Western Conference Tilt
1. Game Overview
The Dallas Mavericks will travel to face the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference matchup on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The game is scheduled for 11:00 PM EST at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Fans can watch the broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks enter this contest with a record of 13-23. The team is currently navigating a difficult stretch, having lost its last seven games. Their performance on the road has been a significant issue, as reflected by their 3-12 away record. Offensively, the team has averaged 112.6 points per game over their last five contests. The Mavericks’ success often hinges on the performance of their star player, Luka Doncic, who recently recorded a 26-point, 12-rebound, and 5-assist game. However, the team’s overall form has been inconsistent, and they will need a more complete effort to break their losing streak.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings hold an 8-28 record and are also looking to reverse their recent fortunes, coming into this game on a five-game losing streak. The Kings have struggled on both ends of the floor this season, which is evident in their overall record and a -12.0 average margin of victory. At home, they have posted a 5-12 record. With key players managing various statuses, the team will rely on veterans like Russell Westbrook to provide leadership and offensive production. The Kings recently defeated the Mavericks on December 27, 2025, a result they will look to replicate on their home court.
3. Injury Report
The Dallas Mavericks will be without some key contributors. Guard Kyrie Irving (Knee) is not expected to play, and guard Dante Exum (Knee) is out for the season. Forward Derrick Jones Jr. (Knee) is also listed on the report.
For the Sacramento Kings, the status of center Domantas Sabonis (Knee) is a major factor, as he is listed as out. Guard Kevin Huerter (Hamstring) is also on the injury list. The absence of these players will impact Sacramento’s rotations and on-court strategy.
4. ATS Trends
The Dallas Mavericks have a record of 16-20-0 against the spread (ATS), covering in 44.4% of their games. Their average ATS margin is -0.7, indicating they have underperformed betting expectations by a slight margin over the course of the season.
The Sacramento Kings have struggled significantly against the spread, posting an ATS record of 12-24-0. Their 33.3% cover percentage is among the lowest in the league. With an average ATS margin of -4.7, the Kings have consistently failed to meet market expectations.
5. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Point Spread: Dallas Mavericks -5.5
- Total (Over/Under): 232.5
The Dallas Mavericks are favored to win by 5.5 points. For a bet on the Mavericks to be successful, they must win the game by 6 points or more. The Kings will cover the spread if they win the game outright or lose by 5 points or fewer. The game total is set at 232.5 points, with bettors wagering on whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under that number.
6. Prediction
Both teams enter this game on extended losing streaks, making it a critical opportunity for one to get back on track. The Mavericks are the favorites, but their 3-12 road record and seven-game skid make laying 5.5 points a risky proposition. Dallas’s path to victory involves Luka Doncic controlling the game and the team’s offense executing efficiently against a Kings team that has been poor defensively.
The Kings’ path to an upset, or at least covering the spread, lies in leveraging their home-court advantage and recent success against this Mavericks team. Sacramento defeated Dallas just over a week ago, which should provide a degree of confidence. For the Kings to cover the +5.5 spread, they need to contain Doncic and get a productive performance from their available players.
Given Dallas’s significant struggles on the road and their current losing streak, the 5.5-point spread appears too large. Sacramento, despite its own poor record, is playing at home and has a recent victory over this opponent. The analysis suggests the Kings are in a solid position to keep the game closer than the spread indicates.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings +5.5
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
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