The Dallas Mavericks visit the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena at 9:00 p.m. ET on Monday, December 1, as both teams manage injuries heading into their first 2025-26 season matchup.
Dallas (6-15) enters after topping the Clippers 114-110 after a 119-129 loss to the Lakers. The Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving (left knee, surgery), Dante Exum (right knee), and Dereck Lively II (right foot), while Daniel Gafford (right ankle) is doubtful and P.J. Washington (right ankle) and Brandon Williams (left adductor) are questionable. Anthony Davis is listed as probable with a left calf injury.
Denver (14-5) recently defeated the Suns 130-112 after falling 136-139 to the Spurs. Nikola Jokic is probable with a left wrist sprain, while Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, Tamar Bates, and Julian Strawther are all out.
Cooper Flagg leads Dallas with 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Washington adds 16 points and 7.8 rebounds. Anthony Davis is contributing 19.3 points and 9.3 rebounds, helping offset the impact of absent starters. Max Christie and Naji Marshall also provide scoring depth.
Denver’s Jokic averages 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists, with Jamal Murray adding 24 points and 6.6 assists. Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson offer secondary scoring, though the Nuggets must adjust with Braun sidelined. Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. provide rotational scoring and spacing.
