If you’re waking up in North Texas and asking what time does dallas play today, you’re probably looking for the Mavericks or the Stars. It's Friday, January 16, 2026. Usually, this is the prime window for a "weekend kickoff" game at the American Airlines Center.
But here is the reality check: there is actually a bit of a breather for the major pro teams today. If you were planning on heading to Victory Park tonight, you might want to double-check those tickets. Both the Mavs and the Stars just wrapped up games on Thursday night, meaning today is a recovery day for the big names.
The Mavericks and Stars Schedule Break
Honestly, Thursday was the heavy hitter. The Dallas Mavericks took on the Utah Jazz last night (January 15) in a late-night battle at the AAC. Because of that, they aren't on the court today. They’re basically catching their breath before the second half of this weird home-and-home mini-series.
The Dallas Stars are in a similar boat. They were just up in Salt Lake City facing the Utah Mammoth last night. NHL scheduling rarely puts teams on the ice for a "back-to-back" that requires travel across state lines without at least 24 hours of buffer.
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So, if you’re looking for the exact kickoff or puck drop for the "Big Three" in Dallas right now, you’re looking at a Saturday/Sunday window.
When do they actually play next?
Since nothing is happening tonight, you’ll want to mark your calendars for tomorrow.
- Dallas Mavericks: They play the Utah Jazz again on Saturday, January 17, at 4:00 PM CST.
- Dallas Stars: The Stars return home to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, January 18, at 1:00 PM CST.
- Dallas Cowboys: The season ended on January 4th with that 34-17 loss to the Giants. No playoff football for Dallas today.
University of Dallas and Local Action
Just because the pros are off doesn't mean the city is quiet. If you are a fan of college ball or local athletics, the University of Dallas is actually busy today.
The Crusaders have a doubleheader against LeTourneau University over in Irving. The Men’s Basketball team tips off at 5:30 PM, followed by the Women’s team at 7:30 PM. For those who just need a sports fix and don't want to wait until Saturday afternoon, that's your best bet.
Where to Watch and What to Expect
When the Mavs return tomorrow at 4 PM, it’s going to be on KFAA or the MavsTV app. That’s been the move lately since the broadcast landscape shifted. The Saturday matinee is a bit of a rarity, usually reserved for national TV windows, but it's a great time for families who don't want to be out until 11 PM on a school night.
The Jazz have been a thorn in the Mavericks' side this season. Dallas is currently sitting at 16-26, which—let's be real—isn't where anyone expected them to be. They need this win tomorrow.
Why the schedule looks like this
The NBA has been trying to reduce travel fatigue by doing these "baseball-style" sets where teams play the same opponent twice in a row in the same city. It saves on fuel and keeps the players' legs fresh. That’s exactly why today is a "dark day" for the arena.
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If you are absolutely itching for sports content today, there are a few things you can do to prep for the weekend:
- Check the injury report: Luka has been dealing with some lingering soreness, so tomorrow's 4 PM start might be a game-time decision.
- Grab Stars tickets early: Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay is almost sold out. The Lightning always draw a crowd in Dallas.
- Update your streaming apps: If you haven't moved over to the new local broadcast channels yet, today is the day to fix your antenna or log in.
Actionable Next Steps
Since there isn't a pro game tonight, take advantage of the downtime. Go ahead and set your DVR or calendar alerts for Saturday at 4:00 PM for the Mavericks. If you're a hockey fan, Sunday at 1:00 PM is the time to be ready. You can also head over to the University of Dallas website to stream the Crusaders' games if you want to support local college talent tonight at 5:30 PM.