The set-up: The Mavericks have a golden opportunity to catch up to the Rockets, who are first int he Southwest at 40-24. Dallas is 40-27. To say this is a "big" game right out of the gates would be an understatement. Note that Houston is 29-35-0 ATS this year, while Dallas is 35-29-3.

The pick: Both teams are dealing with a few injury issues, but certainly Houston's Russell Westbrook having to deal with the coronavirus right now is the biggest blow. Westbrook is listed as questionable for this contest. That's a major issue in my opinion for Houston and I believe that Dallas will attack from the outset in this game. Houston opened as the fav, but now Dallas is. Regardless, I look for the Mavericks depth to prove to be too much for James Harden to overcome by himself on Opening Night.

10* GAME OF THE MONTH on the Dallas Mavericks.