Game Details
The Philadelphia 76ers (17-14) will face the Dallas Mavericks (12-22) in an interconference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET.
It will take place at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the home arena of the Mavericks.
Television coverage includes NBA TV for national viewers, NBC Sports Philadelphia for Sixers broadcasts, and KFAA for Mavericks local coverage.
This is the first meeting between the teams this season.
Recent Team Forms
The 76ers have been streaky, going 5-5 in their last 10 games with an average of 115.6 points scored and 113.8 allowed.
They are coming off a 139-136 overtime win against the Memphis Grizzlies, part of a 2-3 mark in their last five, highlighted by strong offensive performances from Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
Philly’s defense has improved lately, but turnovers remain an issue.
The Mavericks are struggling, with a 4-6 record in their last 10, averaging 119.3 points but allowing 121.7.
They’ve lost three straight, including a 113-107 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, and are 2-3 in their last five.
Dallas has been hampered by injuries, leading to inconsistent play, though Luka Doncic continues to carry the offense.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | PPG (Last 10) | Opp PPG (Last 10) |
| Philadelphia 76ers | W-L-W-L-L | W1 | 115.6 | 113.8 |
| Dallas Mavericks | L-L-L-W-W | L3 | 119.3 | 121.7 |
Injury Report
The 76ers have several players on the mend. Joel Embiid is probable with a right ankle sprain and ongoing knee management.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is questionable with a left knee sprain.
Trendon Watford is out with a left adductor strain.
MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are doubtful due to G League assignments.
For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving is out indefinitely following left knee surgery.
Dante Exum is out with right knee surgery, and Dereck Lively II is out with right foot surgery.
Moussa Cisse is questionable.
Davion Mitchell has been removed from the report and is expected to play.
| Team | Player | Status | Injury/Details |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Joel Embiid | Probable | Right ankle sprain / Knee management |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Kelly Oubre Jr. | Questionable | Left knee sprain |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Trendon Watford | Out | Left adductor strain |
| Philadelphia 76ers | MarJon Beauchamp | Doubtful | G League – Two-Way |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Johni Broome | Doubtful | G League – On Assignment |
| Dallas Mavericks | Kyrie Irving | Out | Left knee surgery (indefinite) |
| Dallas Mavericks | Dante Exum | Out | Right knee surgery |
| Dallas Mavericks | Dereck Lively II | Out | Right foot surgery |
| Dallas Mavericks | Moussa Cisse | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Dallas Mavericks | Davion Mitchell | Available | Cleared |
Key Player Matchups
With injuries impacting both sides, this game will hinge on star performances and defensive adjustments.
Tyrese Maxey (76ers) vs. Luka Doncic (Mavericks): Maxey (30.8 PTS, 7.1 AST, 1.8 STL) will test Dallas’ perimeter defense, while Doncic’s scoring (28.5 PTS, 8.2 AST) could exploit Philly’s guards if Irving is out.
Joel Embiid (76ers) vs. Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): If Embiid plays (probable), his dominance (26.4 PTS, 11.2 REB) will challenge Gafford in the paint, especially with Lively sidelined.
Paul George (76ers) vs. Klay Thompson (Mavericks): George’s versatility (22.1 PTS, 5.4 REB) against Thompson’s shooting could dictate wing play, with both teams needing outside threats.
The 76ers’ depth gives them an edge, but Dallas’ home crowd and Doncic’s playmaking could keep it close.
Series History
The 76ers hold a slight all-time edge over the Mavericks, with 45 wins to 43 losses in 88 regular-season games.
At American Airlines Center, Philly is 20-24 on the road against Dallas.
Recently, the series has favored the 76ers, who have won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including a 118-116 victory on February 5, 2025.
Dallas has struggled at home in this matchup, losing 4 of the last 6.
Betting Trends
Philly is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games but 4-15 SU in their last 19 road games against Dallas.
The Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 overall and 6-10 ATS at home this season.
The over has hit in 6 of the last 10 head-to-head games, often due to high-scoring outputs from stars like Doncic and Embiid.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Sixers – 2.5
Dallas Mavericks 231.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 31, 2025
