NBA Game Preview: Dallas Mavericks (5-13) vs. Miami Heat (11-5)

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Venue & Timing

Location: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida

Tipoff: 7:30 PM ET

Broadcast: Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports Southwest, NBA League Pass

Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks:

Luka Dončić (ankle, questionable — game‑time decision)

Dereck Lively II (knee, out)

Tim Hardaway Jr. (hamstring, probable)

Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist, out)

Miami Heat:

Jimmy Butler (knee, probable)

Bam Adebayo (shoulder, day‑to‑day)

Tyler Herro (ankle, out)

Nikola Jović (back, out)

Player Matchups

Kyrie Irving (DAL) vs. Kyle Lowry (MIA): Irving is averaging 25.2 PPG and 6.1 APG, carrying Dallas with Luka sidelined. Lowry provides veteran leadership but struggles defensively against elite guards.

Luka Dončić (DAL) vs. Jimmy Butler (MIA): If Luka plays, this is the marquee duel. Dončić’s playmaking vs. Butler’s two‑way dominance.

Grant Williams (DAL) vs. Caleb Martin (MIA): Williams stretches the floor with his shooting, while Martin provides energy and defense.

Daniel Gafford (DAL) vs. Bam Adebayo (MIA): Gafford anchors Dallas’ rim protection. Adebayo’s versatility makes him Miami’s most important piece if healthy.

Team Recent Form

Dallas Mavericks:

13th in Western Conference.

Lost 7 of last 8 games, including a 118‑104 defeat to Boston.

Offense ranked 19th (111.2 PPG), defense ranked 27th (118.9 PPG allowed).

Miami Heat:

3rd in Eastern Conference.

Won 5 of last 6, including a 112‑107 win over Milwaukee.

Defense ranked 4th (allowing 108.1 PPG), offense ranked 12th (115.4 PPG).

Series History

2024‑25 Season: Heat swept Mavericks 2‑0.

Last Meeting (Mar. 2025): Miami won 119‑110 in Dallas behind Butler’s 28 points.

Overall: Heat lead all‑time series 39‑34.

Betting Trends

Heat are 7‑1 ATS in last 8 games.

Mavericks are 2‑7 ATS in last 9.

Over has hit in 4 of last 5 Miami games.

Dallas is 1‑6 on the road this season.

Final Score Projection: Miami Heat 116, Dallas Mavericks 106

Game Odds

Dallas Mavericks              239.5

Miami Heat                        – 7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, November 23, 2025