In an eagerly awaited match, the Dallas Mavericks will host the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams have experienced fluctuations in their recent performances. The Mavericks have won only four of their last ten games, with a 40% win rate. Their over rate is at 70%. Notably, they have lost their last three games and failed to cover the spread in those matches. Their defence appears to be lacking, having conceded over a hundred points in three consecutive games; however, their offence has been more consistent, scoring over 230 points in eight of these ten games. Of particular note was their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, where they held a significant double-digit lead at halftime but were eventually overtaken. The Philadelphia 76ers have also had a mixed record over the past month (5-5), but they have maintained a higher cover rate, at 60%. They exhibit a better balance in both offence and defence, highlighted by a nearly fifty-point victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, yet they've also played several games with conservative total scores below expectations. However, they've also suffered several upsets, such as losing by over twenty points to the Oklahoma City Thunder, indicating a degree of inconsistency. The two teams previously met on the 76ers' home court, with the Mavericks losing by 11 points. Their upcoming encounter is expected to be a highly competitive game with both teams focusing on attack and defence. Considering the factors above, this game is expected to be exciting. The Mavericks will aim to leverage their home advantage to reverse their recent slump and offer their fans a positive start to the new year, which depends on improving their defensive issues while maintaining an efficient offensive performance. The 76ers, meanwhile, will need to capitalise on their overall strengths and effectively contain Luka Dončić, a versatile player, which will be a key factor in the game. NBA Dallas Mavericks: Philadelphia 76ers 01-02 09:30 Match Direction: 231.5, Over