Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
(Local/regional broadcasts expected; NBA League Pass available.)
Venue and Logistics
The game is at the Cavaliers’ home arena, Rocket Arena (formerly Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse) in Cleveland, Ohio. Dallas is on a road trip after a tough loss in Minnesota; Cleveland returns home on the second night of a back-to-back following a Friday loss in Miami.
Current Rosters (Key Players)
Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (forward, high-usage scorer/playmaker), Kyrie Irving (guard), P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford (or similar frontcourt), Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, with depth including Santi Aldama and others. The roster emphasizes scoring versatility and athleticism.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell (lead guard), James Harden, Jarrett Allen (center), with supporting wings/forwards (e.g., Peyton Watson or similar) and bench contributors. The core relies on Mitchell’s scoring and Allen’s interior presence, especially with frontcourt absences.
Injury Reports
Mavericks:
Dereck Lively II (C, right foot surgery) — Out.
Tarik Biberovic (F, right heel bursitis) — Out.
Sergio de Larrea (G/F, right knee sprain) — Out.
Max Christie (G, left ankle sprain) — Questionable.
Morez Johnson Jr. (F/C, left shin/tibia contusion) — Probable.
Caleb Martin (thumb splint) — Available.
Core pieces like Flagg and Irving are expected to play.
Cavaliers:
Evan Mobley (F/C, left great toe sprain) — Out (missed the prior game; monitor for any upgrade).
Sam Merrill (G, right elbow injury management) — Out.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin (F, low back stress reaction) — Out.
Additional G League assignments noted but not impacting the main rotation.
Mobley’s absence is significant for Cleveland’s defense and frontcourt versatility.
Key Player Matchups
Cooper Flagg / Dallas wings vs. Cleveland perimeter defense (Mitchell/Harden-led): Flagg’s scoring and creation will test Cleveland’s ability to contain versatile forwards without Mobley.
Kyrie Irving / Dallas guards vs. Donovan Mitchell / James Harden: High-skill isolation and pick-and-roll battles. Irving’s creativity against Mitchell’s two-way presence and Harden’s playmaking.
Daniel Gafford / Dallas bigs vs. Jarrett Allen: Interior physicality and rim protection. Allen should control the paint and rebounding with Mobley sidelined.
Secondary scoring and transition: Dallas looks to exploit spacing and athleticism; Cleveland will lean on home energy, Mitchell’s shot-making, and Allen’s efficiency.
Rebounding and defense: Cleveland’s home interior edge vs. Dallas’s ability to stretch the floor and attack closeouts.
Recent Team Forms
Mavericks (7-5): Competitive early record with strong home play (5-2) but mixed road results (2-3). They entered a recent three-game win streak before a heavy 133-94 road loss to Minnesota on Nov. 12, where Flagg and Irving were held in check. Offensive firepower is present but consistency and defense have fluctuated.
Cavaliers (6-7): Hovering around .500 with solid home form (4-2 in earlier samples). They dropped a 133-121 decision in Miami on Nov. 13 in NBA Cup play (Mobley out). Offense can generate volume via Mitchell and Harden, but the schedule and injuries have tested depth. Back-to-back fatigue is a factor.
Series History
Dallas holds a recent edge in some matchups (e.g., a March 2026 win in Cleveland), though Cleveland has dominated other recent contests. All-time the series is relatively competitive, with home-court often decisive. Recent high-scoring affairs have been common when both teams are healthy.
Betting Trends
Dallas has covered well in certain underdog/road spots and recent H2H in Cleveland; overs have hit in several prior meetings. Cleveland’s home edge and Dallas’s road variability favor the hosts modestly, tempered by the Cavs’ back-to-back and Mobley’s absence.
A competitive, mid-to-high scoring game is expected. Cleveland’s home advantage and Allen’s interior presence should edge a depleted-but-dangerous Dallas side, especially on the second night of a back-to-back for the hosts. Flagg and Irving can keep it close or force overtime with strong shooting nights, but the Cavs’ experience and crowd energy favor a narrow home win. Key variables include three-point variance, turnovers, and how Dallas attacks without full frontcourt depth.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks – 1
Cleveland Cavaliers 231.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 13, 2026
