Honestly, looking at the dallas mavericks game schedule right now is a bit of a gut punch for fans who expected a smooth ride. We’re deep into January 2026, and the vibe around the American Airlines Center is... complicated. It’s not just about the wins and losses. It’s about the sheer weight of this stretch.
If you’ve been following along, you know the record isn't pretty. As of mid-January, the Mavs are sitting at a rough 14-25. That puts them 12th in the West. Yeah, you read that right. 12th. It’s a weird spot to be in, especially with the talent on this roster, but injuries have basically shredded the blueprint Jason Kidd had for this season.
The January Gauntlet and Why Your Couch is the Best Seat
The current dallas mavericks game schedule for the rest of January is a relentless home-heavy stretch that should be a lifeline, but the competition is brutal. Tonight, January 14, the Denver Nuggets are in town. Nikola Jokić is doing Jokić things, and with Anthony Davis currently sidelined with that nagging left finger sprain, the paint is going to feel very empty.
But hey, if you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s the kid. Cooper Flagg.
He’s been the only reason to keep the TV on some nights. The No. 1 overall pick is averaging nearly 22 points a game and playing with a motor that makes veteran Klay Thompson look like he’s moving in slow motion. After the Nuggets, the Mavs get a double-header against the Utah Jazz on January 15 and 17. You’d think those are "get right" games, but nothing is guaranteed lately.
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Here is the immediate slate of what's coming up:
- Jan 14 vs. Denver Nuggets: 8:30 PM (The big test for the interior defense).
- Jan 15 vs. Utah Jazz: 7:30 PM (Quick turnaround, legs will be heavy).
- Jan 17 vs. Utah Jazz: 4:00 PM (A rare afternoon tip-off at the AAC).
- Jan 19 @ New York Knicks: 5:00 PM (The MLK Day showcase at MSG).
- Jan 22 vs. Golden State Warriors: 6:30 PM (Klay vs. Steph part... well, it still feels weird).
- Jan 24 vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 7:30 PM (Luka's expected return? Maybe).
The Madison Square Garden Factor
That January 19th game against the Knicks is huge. It’s a national broadcast on NBC. Usually, the Mavs thrive under the bright lights of New York, but playing at the Garden on MLK Day is a different beast. If the Mavs can’t find their rhythm before that flight, it could be a long night in Manhattan.
Navigating the February "Road From Hell"
If you think January is tough, just wait. The dallas mavericks game schedule in February is where things get truly terrifying for the training staff. They’re looking at a stretch where they play 13 of 17 games away from home.
Basically, the team will be living out of suitcases for a month.
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It starts with a massive home game against the Boston Celtics on February 3, but then they hit a six-game road trip that spans the All-Star break. They’ll be in San Antonio, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. We’re talking about thousands of miles and zero home-cooked meals. For a team already missing Kyrie Irving (still recovering from that knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II, this is the make-or-break point.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Schedule
A lot of folks are looking at the 15-25 record and saying the season is over. "Tank for picks," they say. But look closer at the dallas mavericks game schedule in March and April.
It lightens up. Significantly.
The Mavs have a ton of home games late in the season, including matchups against the Magic, Bulls, and Hawks. If—and it's a massive "if"—Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington can stay on the floor for more than three weeks at a time, there is a path to the Play-In tournament. The West is a bloodbath, but 10th place isn't that far off.
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The Luka Return Timeline
The biggest variable isn't the opponents; it's the health of Number 77. Luka Dončić has been the ghost of this season. Every time the Mavs announce an update, it feels like "two more weeks." If he returns for the Lakers game on January 24, the entire energy of the American Airlines Center shifts. Without him, the offense is 28th in the league. With him? Well, you know how that goes.
Actionable Steps for the MFFL Faithful
Look, being a fan right now requires some thick skin. If you're planning to attend a game or just follow the dallas mavericks game schedule from home, here’s how to handle the next month:
- Watch the Injury Reports like a hawk: Don't buy tickets for the Lakers game on the 24th expecting Luka unless you see him practicing without a brace by the 21st.
- Focus on the Rook: Cooper Flagg is the real deal. Even in losses, watch his defensive rotations. He’s the future.
- Check the Broadcasts: Remember, the local games are on KFAA and streaming on Prime Video now. Don't get caught looking for them on the old regional sports networks.
- Value the "Easy" Wins: The Utah Jazz games this week are mandatory wins. If they drop both of those, it might actually be time to look at the draft lottery odds.
The Mavs are in a hole, but the schedule is the shovel. They can either use it to dig themselves out or keep digging until they hit the bottom of the lottery. Keep your eyes on that January 29th game against Charlotte—it's Mark Aguirre Jersey Retirement night. If nothing else, we get to celebrate some franchise history while we wait for the current stars to heal up.