Mavericks Host Struggling Wizards in NBA Showdown

DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Mavericks (24-22) will face the Washington Wizards (6-38) on Monday night at the American Airlines Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The Mavericks, currently ninth in the Western Conference, aim to halt their recent slide, while the Wizards look to end a 13-game losing streak.

The Mavericks lead the season series 1-0, having dominated the Wizards 137-101 on Dec. 5. In that game, Kyrie Irving scored 25 points, while Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, Doncic remains sidelined with a calf injury, leaving the Mavericks shorthanded.

Washington has struggled on both ends of the court, allowing an NBA-worst 122.1 points per game while scoring just 107.8 points per contest. The Wizards are also the league’s worst road team, with only one win in 21 away games this season.

Dallas, meanwhile, has lost three of its last four games and is 4-11 since Dec. 28. Without Doncic, the team has struggled offensively, averaging just 109.3 points per game during that stretch. Kyrie Irving has stepped up, averaging 24.4 points per game in Doncic’s absence, but the Mavericks lack consistent secondary scoring.

Injuries have further hampered Dallas, with Dwight Powell (hip), Naji Marshall (illness), Maxi Kleber (foot), Dante Exum (wrist), and Dereck Lively (ankle) all ruled out for Monday’s game. Despite these challenges, the Mavericks are heavy favorites, with oddsmakers setting the line at -11.5.

Betting analysts suggest caution with the spread, noting that Dallas has failed to cover in its last four games as a favorite. The Wizards, however, are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 meetings with the Mavericks.

For Washington, Kyle Kuzma remains a bright spot, coming off an 11-rebound performance in their last game. Klay Thompson, who has struggled recently, could find opportunities against the Wizards’ porous perimeter defense, which allows opponents to shoot 37.9% from beyond the arc.

As both teams battle injuries and poor form, Monday’s matchup could hinge on which squad can capitalize on the other’s weaknesses. For the Mavericks, a win is crucial to stay in the playoff hunt, while the Wizards seek to avoid extending their dismal losing streak.