Dallas Mavericks Favored To End Three-Game Slide Against Miami Heat

The Dallas Mavericks are reeling and they have a perfect chance to end their losing spell on Friday, January 20 when they play host to the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena.

The Mavericks are on a three-game losing streak with their latest loss coming at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, 122-130.

Luka Doncic finished with 30 points but was limited to just three points in the fourth quarter.

"It's a shootaround," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "In this league, you do that, no matter if you have Luka or Kareem or LeBron, you're going to lose."

Doncic also issued eight assists and hauled down four boards in the losing cause.

Backing him up was Christian Wood, who finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

The Mavs are 18th in the league in scoring with 112.9 points per game.

On the other end, the Mavs are also allowing opponents 112.7 points per contest, 12th in the league.

For the Heat, a second consecutive win is at stake. They are riding high on a 124-98 whipping of the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to the efforts of Bam Adebayo.

The 25-year-old big man led the way with 26 points, hauled down eight rebounds, and had two steals in that win over the Pels.

Jimmy Butler chipped in 18 markers and issued seven dimes in that match-up.

"We're always trying to get each other going and you love to have teammates like that," Adebayo stated. "I'm just getting to my spots. Guys want me to be assertive, want me to be aggressive."

The Mavs-Heat encounter is expected to be a close one with Dallas being a -1.5 spread favorite over the +1.5-graded Heat.

Moreover, the moneyline is -125 for Dallas and -105 for Miami.

The game will be televised via ESPN at 7:30 PM ET with live streaming also available via fuboTV.