The 2025-26 NBA season features a compelling interconference matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers, as the Mavericks seek to snap a potential skid while the 76ers aim to build on their home dominance. Dallas, led by Luka Dončić’s triple-double threat, has struggled with consistency and injuries, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. Philadelphia, with a balanced attack anchored by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, looks to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. This Saturday evening contest could highlight star power and defensive battles, with rebounding and transition play likely deciding the outcome in a game with seeding implications.
Venue Location
The game will take place at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 20,478-seat arena has been the 76ers’ home since 1996 and is known for its passionate crowds and modern amenities, often creating a challenging environment for visiting teams.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Southwest for Mavericks fans and NBC Sports Philadelphia for 76ers viewers, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks: Guard Kyrie Irving (Questionable – Heel soreness); Forward P.J. Washington (Out – Knee surgery, expected return January 2026); Guard Dante Exum (Out – Wrist surgery, indefinite). These absences deplete Dallas’ guard depth and frontcourt, forcing reliance on Luka Dončić and younger players like Dereck Lively II for interior presence.
Philadelphia 76ers: Center Joel Embiid (Day-to-Day – Knee management); Guard Tyrese Maxey (Questionable – Hamstring strain); Forward Paul George (Out – Knee bone bruise, expected return late December). The 76ers’ star trio is at risk, potentially shifting burden to Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond if Embiid or Maxey sit.
Player Matchups
This game boils down to several pivotal individual battles that could swing the outcome:
Luka Dončić (DAL, G) vs. Tyrese Maxey (PHI, G): Dončić (28.4 points, 8.2 assists) is Dallas’ offensive engine, but if Maxey plays through his hamstring (22.6 points, 6.4 assists), his speed could exploit Dončić’s defensive inconsistencies in a guard showdown.
Kyrie Irving (DAL, G) vs. Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI, G): If Irving suits up (heel), his scoring (24.8 points) faces Oubre’s athletic defense (16.2 points), a wing battle for perimeter control.
Dereck Lively II (DAL, C) vs. Joel Embiid (PHI, C): Lively’s rebounding (10.2 per game) tests Embiid (if playing, 26.8 points, 11.5 rebounds), especially with Washington’s absence leaving Dallas thin in the paint.
Klay Thompson (DAL, F) vs. Caleb Martin (PHI, F): Thompson’s shooting (15.3 points, 38% from three) vs. Martin’s energy (12.4 points), potentially deciding three-point efficiency.
Philadelphia’s size gives them an edge if Embiid plays, but Dallas’ backcourt could exploit mismatches.
Team Records
Dallas Mavericks: 11-17, 12th in the Western Conference (4th in Southwest Division).
Philadelphia 76ers: 15-11, 6th in the Eastern Conference (3rd in Atlantic Division).
Recent Team Forms
Dallas has hit a rough patch, going 1-4 in their last five games, including a 128-133 OT loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on December 18. They previously fell to the Houston Rockets but secured a win over the Clippers. The Mavericks have averaged 114.2 points but allowed 120.8, with defensive lapses evident. Their power play-equivalent (three-point shooting) is at 35%, but turnovers have cost them in close contests.
Philadelphia is on an upswing with a 4-1 record in their last five, capped by a 112-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on December 18. They previously defeated the Indiana Pacers but lost to the Knicks. The 76ers have averaged 116.4 points while holding opponents to 110.8, with strong rebounding (+5 per game) and efficient shooting (46% FG). Their bench has contributed 40+ points in recent wins.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Points For/Against (Last 5) | FG% (Season) | 3PT% (Season) |
| Dallas Mavericks | 1-4 | L2 | 114.2 / 120.8 | 45.2% | 35.8% |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 4-1 | W2 | 116.4 / 110.8 | 46.5% | 36.2% |
Series History
The 76ers and Mavericks have met 86 times in the regular season, with Philadelphia holding a slight edge at 45-41. In playoffs, they’ve split series. Recently, the series is even (5-5 in last 10), with games averaging 220.8 points. The home team has won 7 of those 10. This is the first of two scheduled matchups this season, with a rematch in Dallas on February 10, 2026.
Betting Trends
Philadelphia has been a bettor’s delight at home, going 4-1 straight up in their last five and 3-2 against the spread (ATS). They’re 8-5 ATS as favorites this season. The over has hit in 60% of 76ers games due to high-scoring outputs (average 227 points). Dallas is 3-7 ATS on the road and 4-6 ATS as underdogs, with the under cashing in four of their last five amid defensive improvements. Head-to-head, the over has hit in six of the last ten meetings, and the home team covers 70% of the time. League-wide December trends favor overs in 52% of games involving mismatched teams like this.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks 227.5
Philadelphia Sixers – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
