The Dallas Mavericks head to the Pacific Northwest to face the Portland Trail Blazers in a Western Conference matchup on Monday, December 29, 2025. Both teams are struggling in the standings, with the Mavericks sitting 12th in the West and the Blazers in 10th, making this a critical game for playoff positioning amid underwhelming seasons.
The Mavericks are looking to snap a dismal road slump, while the Blazers aim to capitalize on home-court advantage and recent defensive improvements.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
This 19,393-seat arena has been the Blazers’ home since 1995 and is known for its passionate fanbase, often creating a challenging environment for visiting teams.
Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, with local options including NBC Sports Bay Area for Mavericks fans.
Injury Report
Injuries could significantly impact this matchup, particularly for the Blazers, who are dealing with multiple key absences.
Dallas Mavericks:
Kyrie Irving (SG): Questionable – Injury management or calf issue.
Brandon Williams (G): Questionable – Left calf contusion.
Other notes: The team has been cautious with veterans, but Luka Doncic is expected to play without restrictions.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Jerami Grant (F): Out – Undisclosed injury.
Scoot Henderson (G): Out – Undisclosed injury.
Jrue Holiday (G): Out – Undisclosed injury.
Matisse Thybulle (G): Out – Undisclosed injury.
Other notes: Donovan Clingan remains a bright spot, leading the team in rebounds despite the absences.
These injuries weaken Portland’s perimeter defense and scoring depth, potentially giving Dallas an edge in transition.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially with Portland’s injuries forcing lineup adjustments. Key projected starters for Portland: Deni Avdija (PG), Shaedon Sharpe (SG), Toumani Camara (SF), (replacement for Grant at PF), Donovan Clingan (C).
For Dallas: Luka Doncic (PG), Kyrie Irving (SG, if available), Klay Thompson (SF), P.J. Washington (PF), Daniel Gafford (C).
Luka Doncic vs. Deni Avdija: Doncic, averaging over 30 points per game this season, will test Avdija’s defensive versatility. Avdija’s length could disrupt Doncic’s drives, but Luka’s step-back shooting and playmaking often overwhelm mismatched guards.
Kyrie Irving (if playing) vs. Shaedon Sharpe: Irving’s handles and scoring could exploit Sharpe’s youth, but Sharpe’s athleticism might lead to highlight-reel blocks or steals.
Donovan Clingan vs. Daniel Gafford: A rookie vs. veteran big-man duel. Clingan leads Portland with 10.6 rebounds per game and provides rim protection, while Gafford’s mobility could pull him away from the basket.
Klay Thompson vs. Toumani Camara: Thompson’s off-ball movement will challenge Camara’s defensive IQ, potentially opening up three-point opportunities for Dallas.
Without Grant and Thybulle, Portland’s defense may struggle to contain Dallas’ star duo, shifting focus to Clingan’s interior presence.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been inconsistent, with Dallas particularly poor on the road and Portland showing flashes at home.
Dallas Mavericks (1-4 in last 5 games): Averaging 116.2 points per game in their recent stretch but allowing 120+ in losses.
They are on a six-game road losing streak.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 27 | at Sacramento | L | 107-113 |
| Dec 25 | vs. TBD | L | TBD |
| Dec 23 | vs. Denver | W | 131-130 |
| Dec 21 | at New Orleans | L | 113-119 |
| Dec 19 | vs. TBD | L | TBD |
Portland Trail Blazers (2-3 in last 5 games): Stronger defensively at home, but offensive inconsistencies persist.
They recently outscored Boston but fell flat against the Clippers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 28 | vs. Boston | W | 114-108 |
| Dec 26 | vs. LA Clippers | L | 103-119 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Sacramento | L | TBD |
| Dec 7 | at Memphis | L | 96-119 |
| Dec 5 | at Detroit | W | 122-116 |
Series History
The all-time regular-season series is tightly contested, with Portland holding a slight edge at 91-89 over Dallas.
Overall, including playoffs, the Blazers lead 102-98.
However, Dallas has dominated recently, winning the last two meetings and going 6-4 in the past 10.
In their most recent encounter on November 16, 2025, Dallas won 138-133.
The Mavericks have covered the spread in 3 of the last 5 head-to-head games, with overs hitting in 4 of 5.
Betting Trends
Mavericks: 4-6 ATS in last 10 games; 2-8 ATS on the road; overs in 7 of last 10.
Blazers: 1-4 ATS in last 5; 8-9 ATS at home; unders in 6 of last 10 home games.
Head-to-head: Portland 2-2 ATS vs. Dallas since 2024; over is 4-0 in those games.
Dallas has struggled mightily away from home (3-11), while Portland is 6-9 at the Moda Center but benefits from the Mavericks’ road woes.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks 232.5
Portland Trail Blazers – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025
