NBA Game Preview: Dallas Mavericks (19-35) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (34-22)

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Game Details

  • Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT / 4:30 PM PST).
  • Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
  • TV/Streaming: ESPN, FDSN, KFAA, WFAA.

This Western Conference clash pits the struggling Mavericks against the contending Timberwolves in the third meeting of the season. Minnesota has won the first two, including a 118-105 victory in Dallas on January 28, 2026. The Mavericks are amid a nine-game losing streak, while the Timberwolves have won their last two convincingly. With both teams post-All-Star break, this could be a statement game for Minnesota or a potential upset spot if Dallas’ rookies step up.

Recent Team Forms

The Mavericks are 1-9 in their last 10 games, averaging 112.9 PPG while allowing 122.1 PPG for a -9.2 differential. The Timberwolves are 7-3 over the same span, averaging 121.8 PPG and conceding 113.5 PPG for a +8.3 differential.

Dallas Mavericks Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Feb 12, 2026vs. Los Angeles LakersL110-116Kyrie Irving absent; poor fourth-quarter execution.
Feb 10, 2026@ Phoenix SunsL111-120Naji Marshall 31 PTS; allowed 120 points on 48% shooting.
Feb 7, 2026@ San Antonio SpursL125-138Klay Thompson 19 PTS; outscored in every quarter.
Feb 5, 2026vs. San Antonio SpursL123-135Defensive collapse; Spurs shot 52% from field.
Feb 3, 2026vs. Boston CelticsL100-110Turnover issues (19 TO); held to 41.5% FG.

Dallas has lost nine straight, with defensive lapses allowing 120+ points in four of their last five. They’re being outrebounded and committing high turnovers (average 15.6 in last five).

Minnesota Timberwolves Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Feb 11, 2026vs. Portland Trail BlazersW133-109Balanced scoring; seven players in double figures, 51.7% FG.
Feb 9, 2026vs. Atlanta HawksW138-116Anthony Edwards 30 PTS; dominant second quarter (42-38).
Feb 8, 2026vs. LA ClippersL96-115Offensive struggles; shot 44.6% FG, 21 TO.
Feb 6, 2026vs. New Orleans PelicansL115-119Close loss; 20 OREB but 10 TO.
Feb 4, 2026@ Toronto RaptorsW128-126Julius Randle triple-double; edged out in high-scorer.

Minnesota has rebounded from two losses with blowout wins, showcasing strong offense (average 135.5 PPG in last two) and rebounding dominance.

Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks:

  • Cooper Flagg: Out (Left Midfoot Sprain).
  • Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery) – Out for the season.
  • Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Foot Surgery) – Out for the season.
  • Max Christie: Questionable (Left Ankle Sprain).
  • Daniel Gafford: Questionable (Right Ankle Injury Management).
  • Caleb Martin: Questionable (Left Ankle Sprain).
  • Two-Way Players (Moussa Cisse, Miles Kelly, Ryan Nembhard): Doubtful (G League).

Minnesota Timberwolves:

  • Terrence Shannon Jr.: Questionable (Foot) – Cleared for full-contact but status uncertain.

Minnesota’s depth remains strong, while Dallas’ absences weaken their frontcourt and scoring.

Key Player Matchups to Watch

  • Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) vs. Mavericks Backcourt (e.g., Klay Thompson or Max Christie): Edwards averages 26+ PPG and could exploit Dallas’ perimeter defense, especially with Irving out. He’s scored 30+ in recent wins.
  • Julius Randle (Timberwolves) vs. Dallas Frontcourt (e.g., Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington): Randle’s triple-double potential (e.g., 18 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST vs. ATL) faces a depleted Mavs bigs rotation without Flagg and Lively.
  • Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) vs. Dallas Centers: Gobert’s rebounding (11+ RPG) could dominate if Gafford is limited; Minnesota ranks top-10 in defensive rating.
  • Naji Marshall (Mavericks) vs. Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves): Marshall has been Dallas’ bright spot (31 PTS vs. PHX), but McDaniels’ defense could stifle him.

These matchups tilt toward Minnesota’s size and scoring, potentially leading to high-efficiency offense.

Series History

The Mavericks lead the all-time series 78-63 in 141 regular-season games.

In the last 10 head-to-heads, Dallas is 6-4. This season, Minnesota is 2-0:

  • October 29, 2025: Mavericks 120-114 (at Minnesota)? Wait, sources vary; recent: January 28, 2026: Timberwolves 118-105 (at Dallas).

Games average 230.5 points, with the road team winning both this year.

Betting Trends

  • Dallas is 2-8 ATS in their last 10, 0-9 SU during current streak. Minnesota is 7-3 ATS in last 10 home games. The over has hit in 6 of the last 10 Mavericks-Timberwolves matchups, but under in Minnesota’s last three home games. Dallas is 1-4 ATS as underdogs of 10+ points this season.

Game Odds

Dallas Mavericks                              234.5

Minnesota Timberwolves            – 12.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, February 19, 2026