The Mavericks’ 2025–26 schedule is here—stacked with rookie showdowns, NBA Cup battles, and holiday spotlight games. Here’s why 45–50 wins are realistic—and why my prediction is 47–35—if health and chemistry hold up.
Dallas Mavericks unveil 2025–26 schedule: Key matchups, NBA Cup, and season outlook originally appeared on The Sporting News
The NBA has unveiled the Dallas Mavericks’ 2025–26 regular season schedule, and it’s filled with high-profile matchups. This season will mark Anthony Davis’s first full year in a Mavs uniform, the NBA debut of Cooper Flagg, and the much-anticipated midseason return of Kyrie Irving from his ACL injury.
Dallas is aiming for 45–50 wins and a top-6 seed in the Western Conference. My prediction: 47–35. To hit that mark, the Mavericks must stay healthy, build chemistry quickly, and navigate one of the toughest conferences in years.
Marquee Games to Watch
- Opening Night – vs. San Antonio Spurs (Oct. 22)
The season tips off in primetime as rookie Cooper Flagg makes his NBA debut against Victor Wembanyama. It’s a frontcourt battle between two young stars that could define the league’s future. - NBA Cup Group Stage (Nov. 7–28)
Dallas is in West Group B with the Grizzlies, Clippers, Pelicans, and Lakers.
• @ Memphis – Nov. 7
• vs. LA Clippers – Nov. 14
• vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Nov. 21
• @ Los Angeles Lakers – Nov. 28 — A massive night with NBA Cup stakes as Anthony Davis returns to LA for the first time since the blockbuster trade, Luka Dončić faces Cooper Flagg in Dallas for the first time this season, and LeBron James takes the court against his former teammate. - Christmas Day – vs. Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson visit Dallas for a holiday showdown. Expect high-octane offense and national attention on how Flagg handles the big stage. - MLK Day – vs. New York Knicks
This could be Kyrie Irving’s return game, facing former Mav Jalen Brunson. The guard battle alone makes this must-watch TV.
Season Outlook
With a healthy Davis, a fast-adapting Flagg, and Kyrie returning to form, Dallas can realistically finish in the 47–50 win range and avoid the Play-In Tournament. But in a loaded West, every marquee game—especially NBA Cup and holiday matchups—will carry playoff-level importance.
Category: Basketball
