Dallas Mavericks vs Washington Wizards: What Most People Get Wrong

If you think a Dallas Mavericks vs Washington Wizards game is just another Tuesday night blowout, you haven't been paying attention lately. Honestly, the NBA landscape has shifted so much in the last year that these rosters look like they were put through a blender. We aren't in the Luka-centric era of Dallas anymore.

Things are different.

The Mavericks are currently navigating life without Luka Dončić, who is now suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s weird, right? Meanwhile, Washington has leaned fully into a youth movement that’s actually... kind of fun? They’ve got Trae Young on the roster now, though he's been sidelined with a nasty MCL and quad situation.

If you're looking for the high-octane drama of two teams trying to find their soul, this matchup is exactly where the real NBA junkies are hanging out.

Why the Dallas Mavericks vs Washington Wizards Rivalry Feels Different in 2026

The vibe between these two franchises changed the second Anthony Davis landed in Dallas. It was the trade that basically melted NBA Twitter. Davis has been the absolute anchor for a Mavs team that is currently sitting at 17-26, battling for a play-in spot in a Western Conference that feels like a gauntlet.

When Washington and Dallas met back on October 24, 2025, everyone expected AD to just steamroll the Wizards' frontcourt. He did his part, putting up 27 points and 13 boards, but Washington had other ideas.

Kyshawn George happened.

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George exploded for 34 points, hitting seven threes and grabbing 11 rebounds. It was one of those "arrival" games that makes you realize the Wizards aren't just a farm team for the rest of the league anymore. They walked out of the American Airlines Center with a 117-107 win, proving that Dallas still has massive holes to fill despite having a superstar big man and a legendary shooter like Klay Thompson.

The Cooper Flagg Factor

You can't talk about the Mavericks right now without mentioning Cooper Flagg. He’s the #1 pick. The savior. The kid who is supposed to make Mavs fans forget about #77.

Flagg is averaging about 18.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a rookie. He’s smooth. He’s long. But he’s also 19. In that November 8 rematch—where Dallas actually got some revenge with a 111-105 win—Flagg showed that "winning" basketball isn't just about scoring. He put up 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

He’s learning on the fly.

Breaking Down the Rosters (Wait, Who Is Where?)

If you've been in a coma for twelve months, the current lineups will give you a headache. Here is a quick look at who is actually playing in the Dallas Mavericks vs Washington Wizards games these days.

The Dallas Mavericks Core:

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• Anthony Davis: The centerpiece. He’s been ironman-ish lately, which is a relief for Jason Kidd.
• Kyrie Irving: Still the wizard with the ball, though his role has shifted more toward pure scoring.
• Klay Thompson: He’s 35. The movement isn't what it was, but he still demands gravity on the perimeter.
• Naji Marshall: This guy has been a revelation. He dropped 30 on the Wizards in November.

The Washington Wizards Core:

• Alex Sarr: The #2 pick from 2024. He’s a shot-blocking machine. He recently had a streak of nine games with multiple blocks.
• Khris Middleton: The veteran presence. He was brought in to give the young guys some "championship DNA," though he spends a fair amount of time on the injury report.
• Tre Johnson: The rookie out of Texas. He’s got that "don't care" attitude when it comes to shot selection.
• Bub Carrington: A playmaker who is starting to find his rhythm in the backcourt.

It’s a weird mix of grizzled vets and kids who were in high school two years ago.

Misconceptions About the Matchup

Most people think Washington is still the "easy" win on the schedule. That’s a trap. Under coach Brian Keefe, the Wizards have become incredibly scrappy. They play with a pace that catches teams like Dallas—who can sometimes get stagnant with AD and Kyrie—off guard.

Another mistake? Assuming the Mavericks' defense is elite because of Anthony Davis.

It’s not.

Dallas is currently 10th in defensive rating, which is respectable, but they are 27th in offensive rating. They struggle to score. Without a primary initiator like Luka, the offense often devolves into "your turn, my turn" between Kyrie and whoever else is hot.

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Recent Head-to-Head History

1. Nov 8, 2025: Mavs 111, Wizards 105 (Naji Marshall went nuclear).
2. Oct 24, 2025: Wizards 117, Mavs 107 (Kyshawn George's career night).
3. Jan 27, 2025: Mavs 130, Wizards 108 (Back when Luka was still in town).

The Strategy: How to Watch This Game

If you're betting on or just scouting a Dallas Mavericks vs Washington Wizards matchup, keep your eyes on the "Alex Sarr vs Anthony Davis" battle. It’s the present vs the future. Sarr is long enough to bother Davis's turnaround jumper, and his ability to switch onto guards makes the Wizards' defense much more versatile than it looks on paper.

Dallas wins when they control the glass. If Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford can dominate the offensive boards, Washington doesn't have the size to keep up. But if the Wizards get out in transition—led by guys like Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson—Dallas tends to look old and slow.

Basically, the Mavs want a half-court grind. The Wizards want a track meet.

Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts

Keep a close eye on the injury report. With Trae Young out until at least mid-February, the Wizards are relying on a "scoring by committee" approach. This makes them harder to gameplan for because you never know if it’s going to be a 25-point night for CJ McCollum or a breakout game for Cam Whitmore.

For Mavs fans, the next step is watching the development of Ryan Nembhard. He’s been getting more minutes at point guard, and his ability to organize the offense takes a massive load off Kyrie Irving's shoulders.

If you're tracking the standings, every one of these games matters. Dallas is 12th in the West. They are literally fighting for their lives. Washington is in the middle of a "retool," but they’ve shown they love playing spoiler.

Monitor the trade rumors surrounding Daniel Gafford. There’s a lot of chatter that Dallas might move him to bolster their wing depth before the deadline. If that happens, the interior defense behind AD becomes a massive question mark.

Watch the minutes for Cooper Flagg in the fourth quarter. Jason Kidd has been hesitant to let him close games, but as the season progresses, that has to change if Dallas wants to make a serious run at the play-in tournament.