The Dallas Mavericks open their 2025–26 preseason tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Still, they’ll be without Kyrie Irving, Brandon Williams, Daniel Gafford, Danté Exum, and Dennis Smith Jr. Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg will play only the first half. At the same time, veterans Klay Thompson and PJ Washington will also see limited minutes as Dallas tests rotations and builds chemistry ahead of the regular season.
All eyes will be on Flagg, who is expected to make a strong first-half impression. Known for his defensive versatility, court awareness, and basketball IQ, Flagg will have the opportunity to demonstrate his ability to adjust to the NBA pace while contributing alongside Davis quickly.
The absence of key veterans opens opportunities for players like Jaden Hardy, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard to log extended minutes and make an impact. Nembhard, in particular, will be intriguing to watch as he steps into a larger role and shows his playmaking ability in real game conditions.
Defensively, the Mavericks will focus on rotations and limiting Oklahoma City’s pick-and-roll damage. Offensively, they’ll lean on rookies and bench players to generate scoring while experimenting with lineups that could carry over into the regular season.
What to watch: Flagg and Davis’ first-half performance, contributions from Hardy, Christie, and Nembhard, and how Thompson and Washington integrate in limited minutes to build chemistry with the team.
While preseason wins aren’t the priority, tonight’s opener is critical for evaluating the Mavericks’ depth and setting the tone for a season that will rely on young talent and tested rotations.
Tonight will give Dallas a clear look at how their young core and key veterans—Flagg, Davis, Nembhard, Hardy, Christie, Thompson, and Washington—can contribute and build chemistry heading into the regular season.
