Like the new kid at school who gets bullied by the older kids, sometimes the best advice a parent can give involves consequences — fight back and stand up for yourself, suspensions be damned. The Oklahoma City Thunder might need to apply that mindset against PJ Washington in their next matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder faces the Dallas Mavericks on the road Friday. Plus, injury updates and news.

The Dallas Mavericks might have jumped on the Oklahoma City Thunder early in a matchup at the American Airlines Center, but it wouldn't hold for them. Late in the third quarter, the big lead had been erased.

Kyrie Irving — an expert in rivalries — agreed that the Thunder and Mavericks have become arch-nemesis. “It’s personal. I think it’s the start of a healthy rivalry," Irving said. "... We’re gonna be seeing them a lot over the next few years so it’s good that you set the precedent now what it’s gonna be like.