Mavericks vs. Sixers NBA expert prediction and odds for Monday, Feb. 5 (Back Dallas)

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost five of their last six games and now this season is on life support after Sunday’s announcement that reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid needs surgery on the meniscus in his left knee. 

Embiid was aiming at back-to-back MVP awards while trying to lead Philadelphia to its first championship in over 40 years. Now, Philadelphia has dropped to fifth in the Eastern Conference and its title odds plummeted to 10th (+3000) with the uncertain timetable of Embiid’s injury. 

Philadelphia is a small home underdog Monday to Dallas, which has dropped six of its last eight games. Dallas is getting healthier, though, after getting crushed by Minnesota and Milwaukee. Can they cover the short spread on the road Monday?

Here’s the betting preview for Monday’s conference clash with a best bet. 

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Dallas Mavericks

Philadelphia 76ers

Mavericks

Kyrie Irving: Irving is trending toward suiting up Monday night after missing time with a thumb injury. Irving hasn’t played since a Jan. 22 loss to Boston and Dallas has lost four of its six games since. Irving is averaging 25.2 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game this season. 

Sixers

Tyrese Maxey: Back from injury, Maxey is the overwhelming favorite (-835) to be named the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award this season and will have to carry the load with Embiid sidelined. Maxey is 14th in the NBA in scoring at 26.2 points per game and dropped 51 on 17-of-27 shooting in Thursday’s 127-124 win over Utah. 

Philadelphia will struggle to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference with everything Embiid does on both sides of the ball. Aside from leading the NBA in scoring, Embiid anchored a Philadelphia defense that is just 25th in the defensive rebounding. Now, the 76ers will have to lean more on Danuel House Jr. and 7-foot center Mo Bamba in their frontcourt. 

Philadelphia is just 4-10 straight up with Embiid out this season and won’t have the offensive firepower to keep up with the Mavericks’ offense that ranks 12th in overall rating and is getting Irving back in the lineup. 

Dallas is 15-12 overall with Irving on the court this season and 11-11 without the eight-time all-star. Dallas has been excellent for bettors on the road this season (13-9 ATS) and that continues Monday against the shorthanded Sixers. 

Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.