Dallas Mavericks Look to Halt Three-Game Skid Against Visiting Philadelphia 76ers

The Dallas Mavericks, mired in a disappointing season with a 12-22 record and sitting 12th in the Western Conference, return home to the American Airlines Center on New Year’s Day 2026 to face the Philadelphia 76ers. The Mavericks are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak that has further dimmed their playoff hopes, while the 76ers (17-14, fifth in the Eastern Conference) aim to build momentum in the new year. This interconference matchup, tipping off at 8:30 p.m. EST, marks the second meeting between the teams this season, with Philadelphia looking to extend its edge.

Team Overviews and Current Form

The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2025-26 season with tempered expectations after significant roster changes. Gone are superstars like Luka Dončić, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Kyrie Irving, sidelined with injury concerns. The team has rebuilt around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, and veteran big man Anthony Davis, acquired in offseason trades to bolster the frontcourt.

Flagg has lived up to the hype, emerging as one of the league’s top rookies. Through 34 games, he’s averaging around 19 points, 7 rebounds, and several near triple-doubles, showcasing his versatility as a forward with elite scoring and playmaking ability. Anthony Davis remains a dominant force when healthy, contributing double-doubles consistently with his scoring in the paint and rim protection. Supporting pieces like Naji Marshall, PJ Washington, and young guards such as Ryan Nembhard have shown flashes, but inconsistency has plagued the squad.

Dallas’s recent skid highlights their struggles. Losses to the Sacramento Kings (113-107), Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, and most recently a 125-122 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on December 29 have exposed defensive lapses and poor closing in crunch time. The Mavericks rank mid-pack in offensive efficiency but struggle defensively, allowing over 117 points per game. Home court has been a slight bright spot, with the team riding a modest winning streak at the AAC before the slide.

In contrast, the Philadelphia 76ers have found stability in the loaded Eastern Conference. Led by All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging over 30 points per game and has stepped into a primary scoring role, the Sixers boast a balanced attack. Rookie VJ Edgecombe, selected shortly after Flagg, has provided athleticism and scoring punch off the bench, while veterans like Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond add depth in the backcourt and frontcourt.

Joel Embiid’s health remains a storyline, but when on the floor, he forms a formidable duo with Maxey. The Sixers’ defense, anchored by Drummond’s rebounding and Embiid’s shot-blocking, ranks among the league’s better units. Offensively, they score efficiently, particularly in transition, where Maxey’s speed shines. Philadelphia enters on a solid note, having won key games earlier in December, including a high-scoring affair against Dallas in their first meeting.

Key Players to Watch

For the Mavericks, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg. The young star has carried the offense during the skid, posting big numbers like 33 points against Denver earlier in the month. His ability to create shots and facilitate will be crucial against Philadelphia’s perimeter defense. Anthony Davis, if fully healthy after minor adductor issues, could dominate the paint against Drummond and Embiid, exploiting mismatches with his mid-range game and rebounding prowess.

Naji Marshall has emerged as a reliable scorer, often providing secondary creation. Guards like Max Christie and others will need to step up in perimeter shooting to space the floor for Flagg and Davis.

On the 76ers side, Tyrese Maxey is the engine. His explosive scoring bursts, as seen in previous high-30s performances, can swing games single-handedly. Maxey’s quickness could exploit Dallas’s slower guards, leading to fast-break opportunities. VJ Edgecombe’s athletic dunks and transition play add excitement, while Quentin Grimes provides tough defense and spot-up shooting.

If Joel Embiid plays, his presence alters everything – triple-double potential with scoring, rebounding, and passing. Andre Drummond’s rebounding battles with Davis will be a subplot worth watching.

Historical Context and Head-to-Head

The Mavericks and 76ers have a storied rivalry, though not as intense as divisional matchups. In recent years, games have been high-scoring affairs, with stars trading blows. Their December 20, 2025, meeting in Philadelphia saw the Sixers prevail 121-114, led by Maxey’s 38 points and Edgecombe’s 26. Flagg and Davis kept Dallas close with 24 points each, but late turnovers doomed the Mavs.

Historically, Dallas has had success at home against Philly, but this year’s roster turnover makes past results less predictive. The game promises pace, with both teams capable of pushing the tempo.

Strategic Breakdown

Dallas must prioritize defense to end the skid. Limiting Maxey’s drives and forcing the Sixers into half-court sets could slow their transition game. Rebounding will be key – Davis and Flagg need to control the glass against Drummond’s tenacity.

Offensively, the Mavericks should lean on Flagg’s isolation plays and Davis’s post-ups. Spacing with shooters like Marshall will open driving lanes.

For Philadelphia, exploiting Dallas’s defensive weaknesses in the pick-and-roll will be vital. Maxey-Embiid actions could overwhelm the Mavs’ bigs, while Edgecombe’s cuts add layers.

The Sixers’ depth might wear down Dallas late, especially if the game turns into a track meet.

Injury Report and Lineup Notes

As of December 31, 2025, Dallas monitors Anthony Davis’s adductor soreness, but he’s expected to play. Kyrie Irving remains out long-term. Philadelphia’s Paul George and Joel Embiid are managed carefully, with statuses day-to-day.

Projected Starters:

Mavericks: Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis (with Flagg at forward).

76ers: Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes, VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, Andre Drummond (Embiid if active).

Prediction and Betting Insights

Experts lean toward Philadelphia as slight favorites, citing better record and depth. Predictions suggest a close, high-scoring game, with the over/under around 230 points. Dallas’s home advantage and desperation could keep it competitive, but the Sixers’ talent edge might prevail, 117-113.

For Dallas, a win would halt the skid and spark hope. For Philadelphia, it’s a chance to solidify Eastern standing.

This matchup encapsulates the NBA’s youth movement – Flagg vs. Edgecombe, rookies battling for supremacy – while veterans like Davis and Maxey steal the show.