If you’re scrambling to find out what time is the mavericks game tonight, you aren't alone. It is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and the Dallas Mavericks are hosting a heavy-hitting Western Conference rival, the Denver Nuggets.
Basically, you need to be in front of a screen by 8:30 p.m. CST.
For the East Coast crowd, that's a 9:30 p.m. ET tip-off. If you’re watching from out west, you’re looking at 6:30 p.m. PT.
This isn't just another mid-January slog through the regular season. The Mavs are currently sitting at a 15-25 record, trying to claw their way back into the play-in conversation. Tonight’s game at the American Airlines Center is being broadcast nationally on ESPN, but local fans in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can also find it on KFAA.
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Breaking Down the Mavericks Game Schedule and Broadcast
Knowing what time the game starts is only half the battle. You’ve also got to know where to find it without cycling through twenty different streaming apps.
Tonight’s matchup is a big one for the schedule. Since it's on ESPN, you can stream it via the ESPN app or through any major "cable replacement" service like YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. If you’re a local and prefer the over-the-air route, KFAA is your best friend.
One thing that's kinda cool for the 2025-26 season? The Mavs have been leaning hard into their own direct-to-consumer platform, MavsTV. If you’re in-market and have ditched cable entirely, that $15 a month subscription is basically the only way to catch every single local broadcast without a black-out headache.
Key Details for Tonight (January 14, 2026)
- Matchup: Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- Local Time: 8:30 p.m. CST
- National TV: ESPN
- Local TV: KFAA (Independent affiliate)
- Streaming: ESPN+, MavsTV (In-market), NBA League Pass (Out-of-market)
What You Should Know Before Tip-Off
Honestly, the vibe around the Mavs right now is... complicated.
The big news hitting the wires yesterday was a gut punch. Anthony Davis, who the Mavs acquired in that massive blockbuster trade with the Lakers back in February 2025, is out. He’s looking at a six-week recovery for a hand injury. It’s a massive loss for a team that was already struggling to stay consistent.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Everyone is talking about the rookie. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, has been absolutely blossoming. Over his last 20 games, he’s been averaging over 22 points. He’s the real deal. Watching a 19-year-old lead a floor alongside vets like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson is weirdly fascinating.
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Speaking of Klay, his role has shifted a bit this season. He’s still that threat from deep, but without AD’s gravity in the paint tonight, the Nuggets’ defense is probably going to stay glued to the perimeter.
The Denver Nuggets Challenge
The Nuggets aren't exactly at full strength either. Nikola Jokic has been sidelined with a knee injury since late December.
Even without the "Joker," Denver has managed a 5-4 record. They’re gritty. They have Tim Hardaway Jr. now—yeah, remember him?—and he’s been playing significant minutes for Denver with their injury list growing. He actually put up 23 points against Dallas in their last meeting.
Why the Mavericks Might Win
Surprisingly, the Mavs actually have a 2-0 lead in the season series against Denver this year.
Even with a sub-.500 record, Dallas seems to have Denver’s number. Maybe it’s the pace. Dallas plays fast—sixth fastest in the league, actually. They thrive on chaos and high possession counts, which plays right into Cooper Flagg’s strengths.
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The odds-makers have Dallas as a 1.5-point favorite tonight. It’s basically a toss-up.
Actionable Tips for Watching the Game
If you're planning to attend in person, doors at the American Airlines Center usually open 90 minutes before tip-off. So, aim to be there by 7:00 p.m. if you want to see the warm-up routines.
For the streamers out there, double-check your logins now. There is nothing worse than realizing your ESPN+ password expired right as the ball goes up.
If you miss the live broadcast, the NBA App usually has "Fast Break" highlights within 15 minutes of the final buzzer. But for the full experience, 8:30 p.m. is the magic number.
Keep an eye on the injury report right before the game starts. With the Mavs' depth being tested, guys like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are going to have to play huge minutes to compensate for the lack of AD. It’s going to be a battle of the benches as much as the stars.
Next Steps for Mavs Fans
- Verify your ESPN or KFAA access before 8:15 p.m. to avoid technical glitches.
- Monitor the official Mavericks X (Twitter) account for any last-minute starting lineup changes.
- Prepare for a late night if the game goes into overtime, as these Nuggets-Mavs matchups have a history of being tight.
- Check the "MavsTV" app if you are in the Dallas area and don't have a traditional cable package.