The Denver Nuggets, riding a hot streak, head to Texas to face a struggling Dallas Mavericks squad in a Western Conference matchup. With Denver boasting one of the league’s top offenses and Dallas dealing with key absences, this game could highlight the disparity between a contender and a team in rebuild mode. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key elements.
Venue Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX. This 20,000-seat arena has been the Mavericks’ home since 2001 and is known for its electric atmosphere during big games, though crowd energy might be tempered given Dallas’ recent form.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT local time). The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, offering national exposure for this pre-Christmas clash.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with notable injuries, but Dallas is hit harder, missing several starters and rotation players. Here’s the latest status as of the evening before the game:
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Injury Details |
| Denver Nuggets | Aaron Gordon | F | Questionable | Right calf strain |
| Denver Nuggets | Jamal Murray | G | Questionable | Right hamstring inflammation |
| Dallas Mavericks | Kyrie Irving | G | Out | Right shoulder sprain (expected return around Feb 12) |
| Dallas Mavericks | Dereck Lively II | C | Out | Left hip contusion (out since early October) |
| Dallas Mavericks | Dante Exum | G | Out | Right wrist surgery (out for season) |
| Dallas Mavericks | Max Christie | G | Out | Illness (game-time decision initially, but ruled out) |
Denver’s potential absences could impact their backcourt and frontcourt depth, but Nikola Jokic remains healthy to anchor the lineup. Dallas, without Irving and Lively, will lean heavily on Luka Doncic, putting extra pressure on their depleted roster.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing individual battles, particularly in the frontcourt and on the perimeter. Key matchups to watch:
Nikola Jokic (DEN) vs. P.J. Washington/Daniel Gafford (DAL): Jokic, averaging around 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists this season, will exploit Dallas’ thin frontcourt with Lively out. Washington or Gafford will struggle to contain his playmaking and scoring inside, potentially leading to a triple-double performance.
Luka Doncic (DAL) vs. Jamal Murray/Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DEN): Doncic, the Mavericks’ offensive engine (leading the league at 34.1 PPG), faces a tough Denver defense. If Murray plays, his two-way ability could limit Doncic’s efficiency; otherwise, Caldwell-Pope’s perimeter defense will be key.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. Klay Thompson/Naji Marshall (DAL): Porter’s shooting (around 40% from three) could stretch Dallas’ defense. Thompson, if starting, brings veteran savvy but may not match Porter’s athleticism.
Bench Battle: Christian Braun/Russell Westbrook (DEN) vs. Spencer Dinwiddie/Quentin Grimes (DAL): Denver’s depth gives them an edge, especially if Westbrook provides energy off the bench against a Mavericks second unit missing Exum.
Overall, Denver’s balanced attack should overwhelm Dallas’ injury-riddled lineup.
Recent Team Forms
Denver is surging, while Dallas has been inconsistent but shows flashes.
Denver Nuggets (Last 10 Games): 8-2 record, averaging 125.5 PPG while holding opponents to 115.9. They’ve won 7 of their last 8, including a dominant 135-112 victory over Utah on Dec. 22. Key streak: 6 straight wins, with strong road performances (11-game road win streak overall). Losses were narrow, but their offense has hit season highs in efficiency.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 22 | vs. UTA | W | 135-112 |
| Dec 18 | vs. ORL | W | 126-115 |
| Dec 15 | @ HOU | W | (Recent win) |
| … | … | 8-2 overall | Avg. +9.6 margin |
Dallas Mavericks (Last 10 Games): 6-4 record, averaging 119.7 PPG but allowing 116.1. They snapped a skid with a win but lost their most recent game (114-121 at PHI on Dec. 20?). Home form is 4-6, with wins against weaker teams but struggles against elites. Current streak: 1 loss, but 4 straight home wins before that.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 20 | @ PHI | L | 114-121 |
| Dec 15 | vs. MIA | W | (Recent win) |
| Dec 12 | @ OKC | L | (Loss) |
| … | … | 6-4 overall | Avg. +3.6 margin |
Series History
The all-time series is close, with Dallas leading 99-95 in 194 regular-season meetings. In recent years, games have been high-scoring affairs. This season, Dallas won the first matchup on Dec. 1, 131-121, covering as underdogs. Over the last 5 games: Dallas 3-2, with an average total of 235 points. Denver has won 4 of the last 6 in Dallas, but the Mavericks are 1-0 ATS against Denver this year. Expect another competitive but Nuggets-favored tilt.
Betting Trends
Nuggets are 15-13 ATS overall, 10-4 ATS on the road, and 6-2 ATS as favorites. Mavericks are 12-18 ATS, 5-10 ATS at home, and 4-9 ATS as underdogs. Over has hit in 6 of Denver’s last 10 (average total 241.4) and 7 of Dallas’ last 10 (average 235.8). In head-to-head, over is 3-2 in last 5. Denver is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games; Dallas is 4-1 ATS in last 5 home games but 1-6 ATS vs. winning teams. Public betting leans 65% on Denver to cover.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 6.5
Dallas Mavericks 235.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
