The Dallas Mavericks have to be pleased with the way their top draft pick Cooper Flagg has excelled during his debut NBA season. While the Western Conference team currently sits 12th, Flagg’s emergence as one of the best young players in the NBA has been refreshing for Dallas.

The Dallas Mavericks will have leading scorer and rebounder Anthony Davis back in the lineup in their first game of 2026. Davis will return to the floor against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday after missing the last two games with what the Mavericks described as right adductor soreness.

Dallas Mavericks apply for Disabled Player Exceptions for Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum as injuries derail the season.

It was a critical self-assessment of his play since returning from a third re-aggravation of a lingering right ankle sprain. Gafford entered Monday’s slim 125-122 loss to the Blazers averaging 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, which are considerably low marks for his standards.

Mavericks predicted to cut ties with $186M 10-time All-Star, NBA champion via blockbuster trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Mavericks play against the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.

Both the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers may be without multiple key players in Monday night's matchup.

Any diagnosis of Dallas’ struggles so far this season would start with its struggles away from the American Airlines Center.