Venue Location
The game will be played at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This is the home arena for the Brooklyn Nets, with a seating capacity of approximately 17,732 for basketball games. The venue is known for its modern facilities and energetic crowd, which could provide a boost for the struggling Nets.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT / 12:30 AM UTC on February 25). The game will be broadcast on regional networks like KFAA and YES, with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
- Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (SF) is out with a left midfoot sprain, expected to miss until at least March 1. Kyrie Irving (SG) is out for the season due to a right knee injury. No other major injuries reported, but the team has been managing depth issues amid a disappointing season.
- Brooklyn Nets: Ziaire Williams (F) is questionable due to personal reasons after missing the February 23 game; he is expected to return if cleared. The Nets have a relatively clean bill of health otherwise, but fatigue from a four-game losing streak could impact performance.
Key
Player Matchups
Both teams are in the lower tier of the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively, leading to a matchup of rebuilding squads with young talent stepping up amid injuries. Expect a focus on guard play and rebounding battles.
- Luka Dončić (DAL Guard) vs. Cam Thomas (BKN Guard): Dončić, despite the Mavericks’ struggles, remains a triple-double threat (averaging 28.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 9.8 APG this season). His playmaking will test Thomas, who leads the Nets in scoring (22.1 PPG) but has defensive lapses. Dončić’s size advantage could lead to mismatches if Brooklyn switches.
- Klay Thompson (DAL Guard/Forward) vs. Dorian Finney-Smith (BKN Forward): Thompson provides veteran shooting (15.3 PPG, 38% from three), facing his former teammate Finney-Smith, who brings defensive intensity (9.4 PPG, strong perimeter D). This could be a key battle on the wings, with Thompson exploiting screens.
- P.J. Washington (DAL Forward) vs. Nic Claxton (BKN Center): Washington (13.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG) offers stretch-four capabilities, challenging Claxton’s rim protection (11.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.1 BPG). Claxton’s recent return from injury adds athleticism to Brooklyn’s frontcourt.
- Dereck Lively II (DAL Center) vs. Ben Simmons (BKN Guard/Forward): Lively (8.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG) anchors Dallas’ paint, facing Simmons’ unique skill set (7.2 PPG, 6.8 APG) if he pushes the pace. Simmons’ health has been spotty, but his vision could create open looks.
Recent Team Forms
- Dallas Mavericks: L L L W L (Last 5: Loss 112-120 vs. Indiana on 2/22; Loss 105-118 at Phoenix on 2/20; Loss 101-115 vs. San Antonio on 2/19; Win 122-110 vs. Houston on 2/11; Loss 98-112 at Golden State on 2/8). The Mavericks have lost 4 of their last 5, averaging 111.6 PPG while allowing 115.0 PPG. Offensive struggles without Irving have been evident, but a recent win shows flashes of potential.
- Brooklyn Nets: L L L L W (Last 5: Loss 104-115 at Atlanta on 2/22; Loss 112-129 vs. Charlotte on 2/20; Loss 105-112 at Washington on 2/19; Loss 115-131 vs. Indiana on 2/11; Win 115-104 vs. Brooklyn on 2/22—wait, error; actually, 4-game losing streak per sources). The Nets are on a four-game skid, scoring 109.0 PPG but allowing 126.8 PPG, highlighting defensive woes amid rebuilding.
Series History
The Dallas Mavericks lead the all-time regular-season series 55-34 against the Brooklyn Nets. In recent matchups, Dallas has won 2 of the last 4: 113-105 on January 12, 2026; 119-111 on December 12, 2025; Brooklyn won 113-109 on March 31, 2025; Dallas won 120-101 on March 24, 2025. The Mavericks are 3-2 straight up in the last 5 games, with over hitting in 3 of those.
Betting Trends
Dallas is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games, but 34-16 covering the 2H spread in last 50 (+15.63 units / 27% ROI). Over has hit in 4 of their last 6. Brooklyn is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games, with under going 5-5 in last 10. As underdogs, they are 12-19 ATS. Head-to-head: Mavericks are 3-2 ATS in the last 5 meetings; over has gone 3-2.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks – 1.5
Brooklyn Nets 223.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026
