The Dallas Mavericks travel to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, December 25, with tipoff set for 5:00 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Christmas Day meeting marks the first matchup between the teams this season.
Dallas enters at 12-19 and carries a one-game winning streak after edging Denver 131-130 on December 23. The Mavericks dropped a 119-113 loss to New Orleans the night before, continuing an inconsistent stretch defined by lineup turnover.
Golden State stands at 15-15 and has won two straight games. The Warriors handled Orlando 120-97 on December 22 and followed with a 119-116 win over Phoenix on December 20, stabilizing after a mid-December slide.
Dallas’ injury report is extensive and directly impacts its rotation. Kyrie Irving remains out following left knee surgery, while Dereck Lively II is sidelined with a right foot procedure.
Dante Exum is also out after right knee surgery, thinning the backcourt. Frontcourt depth is uncertain with P.J. Washington listed as questionable due to a right midfoot issue.
Dallas does expect potential help, as Klay Thompson, Max Christie, and Dwight Powell are all probable while managing minor ailments.
Rookie centerpiece Cooper Flagg leads Dallas at 19.2 points per game, while Anthony Davis provides interior production with 21.7 points and 11.4 rebounds in limited appearances.
Golden State’s injury list is shorter but still notable. Seth Curry and LJ Cryer are both out, affecting backcourt depth and shooting options.
Al Horford is listed as probable while managing right sciatic nerve irritation, a key detail for Golden State’s frontcourt rotation.
The Warriors remain anchored by Stephen Curry, who averages 28.7 points on efficient shooting. Jimmy Butler adds 19.9 points per game and steady two-way impact, giving Golden State reliable late-game options.
