If you’re checking your watch and wondering who is Dallas playing today, you’re likely looking for the Mavs. It’s a busy Saturday in the 214, but the primary ticket in town is at the American Airlines Center. The Dallas Mavericks are hosting the Utah Jazz this afternoon, January 17, 2026.
Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM local time (CST).
Honestly, this is a bit of a weird time for a Saturday home game, but the AAC has a tight schedule with the Dallas Stars playing a matinee tomorrow. If you’re heading to Victory Park, expect the usual Saturday crowd—lots of energy, probably some traffic on I-35E, and a Jazz team that has been surprisingly pesky lately.
The Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz Matchup
The Mavs are coming into this one looking to protect their home court. It’s a regular-season clash, and while it might not have the playoff intensity of a May series, every win in the West is basically gold right now. Utah always plays Dallas tough, especially with their length in the paint.
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You’ve got to keep an eye on the injury report. These mid-January games are notorious for "load management" or late-scratch ankles. As of right now, the stars are expected to suit up. Watching the Mavs' ball movement against a rebuilding but disciplined Jazz defense is going to be the key to this afternoon's outcome.
What About the Dallas Cowboys?
If you were looking for the Cowboys, you’re a day early for the "real" action or a few weeks late, depending on how you view the postseason. The NFL Divisional Round is happening right now, but the Cowboys aren't on the field today, January 17.
Actually, the NFL schedule for today features:
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- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (8:00 PM ET)
The Cowboys' season ended a couple of weeks ago with a disappointing 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on January 4. It was Brian Schottenheimer’s first year at the helm, and while there were some bright spots—like that overtime win against New York earlier in the year—the finale was rough. Dak Prescott and the crew are already looking toward the 2026 draft and the upcoming schedule against teams like the AFC South and NFC West.
Dallas Stars and FC Dallas Update
The Dallas Stars are off today. They aren't playing until tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning at 1:00 PM. Good news for the hockey fans: Miro Heiskanen is back at practice and should be in the lineup tomorrow after missing time for a family matter.
Meanwhile, over in Frisco, FC Dallas is basically in "suit up and pack" mode. They finished their local training at the Toyota Soccer Center yesterday. Today, January 17, the team is actually departing for Algarve, Portugal, for their preseason camp. They won't play an actual match until they face Portimonense S.C. on January 21.
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Summary for Local Sports Fans
Basically, if you want to watch a Dallas team live today, your only major professional option is the Mavericks at 4:00 PM.
There is some collegiate action if you're a die-hard. The University of Wisconsin men’s tennis team just wrapped up a 4-3 win over SMU right here in Dallas earlier today. Also, the University of Dallas (the Crusaders) has a basketball double-header against Centenary College over in Irving. The men play at 4:00 PM and the women follow at 6:00 PM.
Actionable Tips for the Mavs Game
- Check Secondary Markets: If you don't have tickets yet, prices for the Utah game have been hovering around $30 for the 300-level seats on Ticketmaster and Gametime.
- Arrive Early: Since it's a 4:00 PM start, the Victory Park area will be buzzing with people getting early dinners. Parking in the Lexus Garage usually fills up fast.
- Broadcast Info: If you aren't going in person, catch the game on your local sports network or NBA League Pass.
- Weather: It’s a typical January day in North Texas, so you’ll want a jacket for the walk from the parking lot, but the AAC will be plenty warm once the crowd gets going.
Make sure to double-check the Mavs' social media or the official NBA app about 30 minutes before tip-off for the final starting lineups. Late scratches are the bane of every sports fan's existence, especially in 2026.