Knicks vs. Mavericks prediction: NBA odds, best bets for Thursday

New York Knicks put 5-game win streak on line vs. Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic out. Consider same-game parlay for better return.

The New York Knicks are on a hot streak, winning five games in a row since acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors on January 1st. Their next challenge will be facing off against the Dallas Mavericks, who will be without their star player Luka Doncic due to an ankle injury.

Doncic's absence will be felt, especially in the rebounding department, as he averages 8.1 rebounds per game. The Knicks, on the other hand, rank third in the league in rebounding, while the Mavericks are 24th. New York leads the league in second-chance points with 17.1 per game, so not having Doncic available will make it challenging for the Mavericks to keep the Knicks off the boards.

If you missed the opportunity to bet on the Knicks as +1.5 underdogs, you may not be too happy about laying 3.5 points as a road favorite now. However, there are other betting options to consider, such as a same-game parlay on bet365. This parlay combines a bet on the Knicks to win with Jalen Brunson recording more than 10.5 rebounds and assists. With Doncic sidelined, Brunson's chances of exceeding 3.9 rebounds per game are high, and the Knicks' improved floor spacing with Anunoby has resulted in more assists.

Since the trade, the Knicks have been sharing the ball more, averaging 2.4 more assists per game compared to their season average of 24. On the other hand, opposing point guards are averaging 9.26 assists per game against the Mavericks, putting them in the bottom third of the NBA in this category. This same-game parlay has odds at +155, offering a chance for a better return on investment. Overall, the absence of Doncic creates an opportunity for strategic betting on this matchup.