The Dallas Mavericks (19-36) face the Indiana Pacers (15-42) in an interconference battle on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Both teams are struggling at the bottom of their respective conferences, with Dallas on a 10-game losing streak and Indiana holding the NBA’s worst record. The Mavericks enter as slight favorites, bolstered by a marginally better offense despite significant injuries on both sides. This matchup could be a low-scoring affair given the depleted rosters and defensive emphases. Below is a detailed analysis, including key factors and betting recommendations.
Venue Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
This 17,923-capacity arena, home to the Pacers since 1999, has seen Indiana post a 9-19 home record this season, offering little advantage against a Mavericks team desperate to snap their skid.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PST).
The game will air on FDSIN (for Indiana) and KFAA (for Dallas), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Dallas is 0-10 in their last 10 games, averaging 111.7 PPG during the streak. Indiana is 2-3 in their last five, showing flashes but consistent defensive breakdowns. Here’s a summary of their last five games:
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| DAL | Feb 20, 2026 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 111-122 | Klay Thompson: 25 pts; 10th straight loss. |
| DAL | Feb 12, 2026 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 104-124 | Naji Marshall: 19 pts; Defensive collapse. |
| DAL | Feb 10, 2026 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 111-120 | PJ Washington: 18 pts; Road woes continue. |
| DAL | Feb 7, 2026 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 125-138 | Marshall: 22 pts; High-scoring defeat. |
| DAL | Feb 5, 2026 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 123-135 | Thompson: 20 pts; 0-5 in last five. |
| IND | Feb 19, 2026 | @ Washington Wizards | L 118-131 | Andrew Nembhard: 24 pts; Defensive issues persist. |
| IND | Feb 10, 2026 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 95-113 | Pascal Siakam: 20 pts; Low-scoring effort. |
| IND | Feb 8, 2026 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 122-104 | Nembhard: 22 pts; Balanced win. |
| IND | Feb 5, 2026 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 123-107 | Siakam: 25 pts; Strong home showing. |
| IND | Feb 3, 2026 | @ Orlando Magic | L 126-128 | Nembhard: 28 pts; Close road loss. |
Dallas is 0-5 in their last five, with poor road form (0-5 ATS). Indiana is 2-3, averaging 115.8 PPG but allowing 116.7.
Injury Report
Both teams are ravaged by injuries, with star absences likely leading to a grind-it-out game.
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Out: Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain).
- Out: Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery).
- Out: Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery).
- Questionable: Daniel Gafford (right ankle).
- Questionable: Max Christie (left ankle sprain).
- Probable: Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain).
- Depth players like Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson will carry the load.
- Indiana Pacers:
- Out: Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tear).
- Out: Johnny Furphy (right ACL tear).
- Out: Aaron Nesmith (right ankle sprain).
- Out: Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture).
- Out: Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain).
- Questionable: Pascal Siakam (left hamstring management).
- Questionable: Andrew Nembhard (low back).
- Absences remove over 40 PPG from Indiana’s lineup.
Key
Player Matchups
With stars sidelined, secondary players will decide this low-stakes game:
- Klay Thompson (DAL) vs. Andrew Nembhard (IND, if plays): Thompson (18 PPG) brings veteran shooting; Nembhard (15 PPG, 5 APG) must disrupt with defense.
- Naji Marshall (DAL) vs. Pascal Siakam (IND, if plays): Marshall (15 PPG) exploits mismatches; Siakam (20 PPG) provides scoring inside but may sit.
- PJ Washington (DAL) vs. Jarace Walker (IND): Washington (14 PPG, 7 RPG) dominates rebounding; Walker (10 PPG) offers versatility but lacks experience.
- Other Notes: Daniel Gafford (DAL, if plays) could control the paint against a thin Pacers frontcourt; T.J. McConnell (IND) adds playmaking depth.
Series History
Dallas leads the all-time series 48-40.
The Mavericks won the most recent matchup 107-105 on October 29, 2025.
Indiana has won four of the last six, including a 135-131 victory on March 19, 2025. In the last 10 games, it’s 6-4 Pacers.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Dallas is 25-30 ATS overall and 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.
Indiana is 28-29 ATS and 23-21 ATS as underdogs.
The under has hit in 6 of Dallas’ last 10 and 4 of Indiana’s last 5.
am1300thezone.iheart.com
Mavericks are 1-4 SU in last five vs. Indiana.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks – 2.5
Indiana Pacers 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 21, 2026
