Raptors vs Mavericks: Toronto Favored as Dallas Seeks First Win

The Toronto Raptors will travel to the American Airlines Center on Sunday night looking to capitalize on the Dallas Mavericks' winless start to the 2025-26 NBA season. With tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, this matchup presents an intriguing contrast between a Raptors squad finding its rhythm and a Mavericks team desperately searching for its first victory.

Game Odds and Betting Lines

According to multiple sportsbooks, Toronto enters as a slight favorite despite playing on the road. The Raptors opened as 1.5-point favorites, with the moneyline set at -116 for Toronto and -103 for Dallas. The over/under for total points stands at 231.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair between two teams with contrasting early-season performances.

These odds tell an interesting story: oddsmakers clearly view Dallas's 0-2 start as a significant concern, enough to make a visiting team the favorite in what would typically be a home-court advantage situation. The Mavericks, despite playing in front of their home crowd, are viewed as slight underdogs—a testament to their struggles through the season's first week.

Toronto's Strong Start

The Raptors sit at 1-1 after splitting their opening games, most recently falling to the Milwaukee Bucks 122-116 on Friday night. Despite the loss, Toronto has shown encouraging offensive firepower, averaging 127.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 53.3% from the field.

RJ Barrett has emerged as a primary offensive weapon, averaging 22.5 points per game on efficient shooting. Power forward Brandon Ingram matches that scoring output while contributing 7.0 rebounds per contest. Perhaps most impressively, Scottie Barnes continues his development as a do-it-all forward, posting 19.5 points and 6.0 assists per game.

Immanuel Quickley has been particularly effective running the offense, averaging 8.0 assists while adding 16.0 points and 5.5 rebounds. His ability to stuff the stat sheet makes him an intriguing prop bet target, with the over on 25.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists looking favorable given his early-season production.

The Raptors' injury report remains relatively clean, with only power forward Collin Murray-Boyles listed as questionable with a forearm issue. This health advantage could prove crucial against a Mavericks squad dealing with multiple absences.

Dallas's Troubling Start

The Mavericks find themselves in unfamiliar territory at 0-2, having lost to both San Antonio and Washington in their opening games. More concerning than the record is the offensive output: Dallas ranks dead last in the NBA with just 99.5 points per game, shooting a woeful 40.4% from the field.

The absence of Kyrie Irving, sidelined with a torn ACL, has left a massive void in the backcourt. The Mavericks are attempting to fill that gap by starting 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard—an enormous ask for the first overall pick in just his third NBA game.

Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists at Duke, has shown flashes of his considerable talent, posting 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game through two contests. However, running an NBA offense as a teenager represents a steep learning curve, even for a player with his extraordinary physical tools and basketball IQ.

Anthony Davis has shouldered the offensive burden admirably, averaging 24.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. The former Defensive Player of the Year remains a force on both ends, but he cannot single-handedly overcome Dallas's current roster limitations. P.J. Washington has provided secondary scoring with 17.5 points per game on 60% shooting, but the Mavericks desperately need more consistent production from their role players.

Adding to Dallas's challenges, Daniel Gafford (ankle), Dante Exum (knee), and Brandon Williams are all listed on the injury report, further depleting an already thin rotation.

Key Matchups to Watch

Barnes vs. Flagg: Present vs. Future

The matchup between Scottie Barnes and Cooper Flagg represents a fascinating contrast in developmental timelines. Barnes, now in his fourth season, has evolved into a versatile All-Star capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. Flagg, despite his immense talent, is still learning the NBA game's speed and physicality.

Barnes's experience advantage should prove significant, particularly in crunch time situations. His ability to facilitate, score, and defend multiple positions gives Toronto a distinct edge in this individual battle.

Ingram vs. Davis: Battle of Former All-Stars

Brandon Ingram's matchup against Anthony Davis will likely determine this game's outcome. Davis holds a defensive advantage with his length and shot-blocking ability, but Ingram's smooth offensive repertoire and improved three-point shooting (38.5% at Duke) give him tools to counter Dallas's defensive anchor.

Expect Ingram to test Davis on the perimeter, forcing the Mavericks' center into uncomfortable defensive situations in space. If Toronto can exploit this matchup, it opens driving lanes for Barrett and Quickley to attack the paint.

Betting Analysis and Predictions

Multiple expert handicappers favor Toronto to cover the spread in this matchup. The logic is sound: the Raptors simply have more offensive firepower and better overall roster health than the undermanned Mavericks.

Dallas's offensive struggles raise serious concerns about their ability to keep pace with Toronto's high-powered attack. The Mavericks are asking Flagg to run an NBA offense at 18 years old while missing their most dynamic scorer in Irving. Even with Davis's excellence, that's simply too much to overcome against a well-balanced Raptors squad.

The over on the total points also presents betting value. Toronto's pace (108.75, third in the NBA) combined with both teams' tendency to foul and send opponents to the free-throw line should produce plenty of scoring opportunities. The Raptors are allowing 31.0 free-throw attempts per game, while Dallas allows 28.5—numbers that inflate final scores.

Prop Bet Value

Immanuel Quickley's over on 25.5 points, rebounds, and assists appears particularly attractive. He's already posted 25 and 34 in this category through two games, averaging impressive usage rates. Against a Dallas defense struggling to find cohesion, Quickley should have ample opportunity to exceed this modest line.

Victor Wembanyama's three-point shooting (when the Spurs play) and Flagg's development remain intriguing season-long narratives, but for Sunday's game, focusing on Toronto's established contributors offers the safest betting approach.

The Path Forward

This game represents more than just another early-season matchup. For Dallas, avoiding an 0-3 start is crucial for team morale and confidence. The Mavericks need to find offensive rhythm and establish an identity without Irving, tasks that won't become easier if losses continue to mount.

For Toronto, building momentum and establishing themselves as a legitimate Eastern Conference playoff contender requires winning games they're supposed to win. Defeating a depleted Dallas team on the road would send a clear message about the Raptors' postseason aspirations.

The game will be broadcast on KFAA and SportsNet, with coverage beginning at 7:30 PM ET. Fans can expect an up-tempo contest featuring several of the league's most exciting young players, even if the competitive balance favors the visiting Raptors.

Final Verdict

Toronto possesses too many advantages in this matchup—better health, superior offensive balance, and more veteran leadership. While Flagg's debut season will undoubtedly include spectacular moments, asking him to carry Dallas to victory in just his third NBA game represents an unrealistic expectation.

The smart money backs Toronto to cover the 1.5-point spread and potentially win outright by six or more points. The Raptors' offensive firepower, combined with Dallas's scoring struggles, creates a clear path to victory for the visiting squad. As the Mavericks continue integrating their young star and waiting for Irving's return, growing pains are inevitable—and Sunday night in Dallas figures to provide another lesson in the challenges of rebuilding on the fly.