Houston opened as a -1.5 point favorite in this contest, but the news of Russell Westbrook sidelined with Covid 19 has now swung that line the other way, with the Mavs now installed as a -1.5 point fav.

This is an important game here, as only three games separate the clubs and the winner of this one could very likely win the Southwest Division.

The Mavs also play with revenge here, after falling 128-121 in Houston in the most recent meeting.

Dallas is in the top 10 in the league in making its outside shots and I believe that, along with its depth will prove to be too much for James Harden and company to handle on Opening night. Lay the points on the Mavs.

Good luck, NP