Can the Dallas Mavericks turn their season around without their star players? Tonight’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets might just be the turning point—or another bump in the road. As the Mavs (14-25) take the court at the American Airlines Center, they’re not just battling the Nets but also their own mounting injuries. And this is the part most people miss: with Anthony Davis sidelined due to a hand injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season, all eyes are on rookie Cooper Flagg to step up. But here’s where it gets controversial—is Flagg ready to carry the team on his shoulders, or will the Mavs’ struggles deepen?
Tune in at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, via KFAA (https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/dallas-mavericks-2025-2026-schedule-watch-on-kfaa/287-6ff5030c-7288-48a6-89b7-c415c9314c98) to catch the action live. We’ll walk you through how to ensure the clearest broadcast signal, so you don’t miss a second of the drama.
This isn’t just any game—it’s a rematch. The Mavs edged out the Nets 119-111 on Dec. 13, thanks to Davis’ 24-point performance. But without him tonight, the dynamics shift dramatically. Michael Porter Jr., who dropped 34 points for the Nets in that game, is also out for rest, leaving both teams scrambling to fill the void. Bold prediction: This game could come down to which bench steps up—or which rookie makes the bigger splash.
Flagg, despite the Mavs’ rocky season, has been a bright spot. Averaging 18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field, he’s proving why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in the league. But can he handle the pressure of leading a team in crisis?
Here’s the full injury report—and it’s a doozy:
Dallas Mavericks:
- Anthony Davis: Out (Hand)
- Dereck Lively II: Out for season (Foot)
- Kyrie Irving: Out (Knee)
- Dante Exum: Out for season (Knee)
- PJ Washington: Day-to-day (Ankle)
- Brandon Williams: Day-to-day (Heel)
- Moussa Cisse: Day-to-day (Shoulder)
Brooklyn Nets:
- Haywood Highsmith: Out (Knee)
- Michael Porter Jr.: Out (Rest)
- Drake Powell: Day-to-day (Knee)
- Ben Saraf: Day-to-day (Knee)
- Ziaire Williams: Day-to-day (Illness)
- E.J. Liddell: Day-to-day (Knee)
Looking ahead, the Mavs have a tough schedule with back-to-back games against the Denver Nuggets (Jan. 14, 8:30 p.m.), Utah Jazz (Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 17, 4 p.m.), and New York Knicks (Jan. 19, 4 p.m.), all airing on KFAA.
Thought-provoking question for you: With so many injuries plaguing both teams, is tonight’s game a true test of skill—or just a battle of who’s left standing? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
