Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center
Golden State Warriors -8.5-105
CONF 68%
WCashedFinal 116-126
The read
TALE OF THE TAPE
Golden State Dallas Record 15-15 ← 12-19 Off Rating 113.3 ← 111.0 Def Rating 111.4 ← 112.1 Net Rating +1.9 ← -1.2 Key Injuries None Kyrie, Lively
Gary's Take The narrative focus is on Klay Thompson's emotional return to the Chase Center, but the betting edge lies in a brutal math problem that Dallas cannot solve. The Golden State Warriors are generating a massive mathematical advantage from behind the arc, averaging nearly five more three-pointers per game than the Mavericks. Over 48 minutes, that creates a roughly 15-point cushion that a road underdog struggles to overcome, especially without the perimeter creation of the injured Kyrie Irving.
This game features a stark venue mismatch. Golden State has defended home court effectively with a 9-4 record, while Dallas has been woeful as a visitor, going just 3-9 straight up away from home. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are operating with a full supporting cast, allowing them to dictate the pace against a thin Mavericks rotation. While Anthony Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg provide interior scoring, they lack the spacing to keep up with Golden State's barrage if the Warriors get hot early.
The absence of Dereck Lively II removes Dallas's best rim protector, opening up the lane for Golden State's cutters. With a superior net rating, a distinct home-court advantage, and a healthier roster, the Warriors should pull away in the second half. The spread is wide, but the structural advantages point to a double-digit win.
Golden State Warriors -8.5 -105.
Injuries noted
Dallas Mavericks: Brandon Williams (Day-To-Day) — Dec 24: Williams (ankle) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.; Dwight Powell (Day-To-Day) — Dec 24: Powell (illness) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.; Klay Thompson (Day-To-Day) — Dec 24: Thompson (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Golden State.; P.J. Washington (Day-To-Day) — Dec 24: Washington (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.; Max Christie (Day-To-Day) — Dec 23: Christie (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Nuggets, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.; Dereck Lively II (Out) — Dec 21: Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot Sunday.; Kyrie Irving (Out) — Dec 13: Irving (knee) remains out indefinitely and doesn't have a return timetable, Mavericks reporter Grant Afseth said during an appearance on HoopsHype's podcast 'Around the Beat' on Friday.; Dante Exum (Out) — Nov 20: The Mavericks announced Thursday that Exum will undergo season-ending knee surgery.
Golden State Warriors: LJ Cryer (Out) — Dec 24: Cryer signed a two-way contract with the Warriors on Monday, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.; Al Horford (Questionable) — Dec 24: Horford (back) is probable for Thursday's game against the Mavericks, Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com reports.
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- Board stored December 25, 2025 at 12:35 AM ET.
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Props on this game
2Draymond GreenOVER 4.5 Assists Assists-146
LActual 3
Draymond Green is still the engine that makes the Warriors' offense hum, and his chemistry with the shooters on this floor is second to none. He knows exactly where Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler want the ball, and he’s going to spend the whole night picking apart the Dallas defense from the high post.
In a game with this much energy, Draymond usually takes it upon himself to be the primary distributor, ensuring the stars get their touches in rhythm. Dallas can be a bit leaky when it comes to defending the pass out of the paint, which plays right into Draymond's strengths as a facilitator.
I don't see him slowing down his playmaking tonight, especially with the home crowd behind him and so many elite finishers surrounding him. He should clear this assist mark with room to spare as the primary floor general.
Stephen CurryOVER 27.5 Pts Pts-132
LActual 23
Stephen Curry is the ultimate showman, and you can bet he’s circled this game against his old teammate Klay Thompson on his calendar. When the lights are brightest at Chase Center, Steph almost always finds another gear, and I expect him to be hunting his shot from the opening tip tonight.
The Mavericks' defense is going to have a nightmare of a time trying to keep up with his constant movement through a maze of screens. With the Warriors needing to keep pace with a high-powered Dallas backcourt, the volume for Steph is going to be through the roof.
He’s been in a great scoring rhythm lately, and with his ability to stack points in bunches from deep, 28 points is a very reachable target. Trust the greatest shooter in the world to lead the way and put up a big number in this spotlight matchup.
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