The Philadelphia 76ers are set to ring in the new year with a high-stakes showdown against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on January 1, 2026. This matchup, tipping off at 8:30 p.m. EST, comes as both teams find themselves at pivotal junctures in their respective seasons. For the Sixers, it’s the fourth game of a grueling five-game road trip, and the opportunity to even their travel record to .500 looms large. For Dallas, a five-game home win streak is on the line, but so is the urgent need to snap a three-game losing streak that’s threatened to derail their campaign.
Philadelphia enters the contest with a 17-14 record, good for fourth in the Atlantic Division and a top-six standing in the Eastern Conference. Their road form has been a revelation—covering the spread in 10 of 14 away games, a 71.4% success rate that’s made them one of the league’s most reliable traveling teams. That resilience was on full display just two nights ago, when the Sixers outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies in a 139-136 overtime thriller. In that game, rookie VJ Edgecombe emerged as the hero, draining the decisive three-pointer with just 1.7 seconds left in OT. Edgecombe finished with 25 points and four steals, while Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each poured in 34 points. Maxey, who’s averaging a scorching 30.8 points and 7.1 assists per game, also tallied a career-high 12 assists in the win. Embiid added 10 rebounds and eight assists, reminding everyone why his presence in the paint is so vital to Philly’s hopes.
"VJ Edgecombe hit the decisive 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining in overtime," reported Newsweek, highlighting the rookie’s knack for the clutch. Paul George chipped in 17 points, rounding out a balanced attack that’s kept the Sixers competitive even as their Big 3—Embiid, Maxey, and George—have only suited up together five times in 31 games this season. The injury bug continues to bite, with Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) both sidelined for the Dallas game. Embiid is listed as probable, nursing a knee issue, but all signs point to him taking the floor.
Philadelphia’s probable starting five: Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the backcourt, Paul George and Dominick Barlow at forward, and Joel Embiid anchoring the middle. The Sixers will don their Association Edition white uniforms as they look to sweep the two-game season series against Dallas, having already bested the Mavericks 121-114 at home on December 20.
As for Dallas, the Mavericks come into the game at 12-22, sitting 12th in the Western Conference. Their record belies a team that’s been tough to beat at home, boasting a 9-9 mark at the American Airlines Center and riding a five-game home winning streak. But inconsistency has plagued them, especially on the road where they’ve stumbled to a 3-12 record. The Mavericks dropped their last three games—all away from home—including a gut-wrenching 125-122 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Max Christie led Dallas with 25 points in that contest, while rookie Cooper Flagg contributed 15 points, eight assists, and three steals. Daniel Gafford, starting in place of the injured Anthony Davis, posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Dallas’ injury list is lengthy and concerning. Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dante Exum (right knee surgery), and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery) are all out, leaving the offensive burden squarely on the shoulders of Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis. Davis is expected to return for this game and play roughly 30–34 minutes, a much-needed boost for a team that’s struggled to find defensive consistency. The Mavericks’ defense ranks in the bottom quartile of the NBA in opponent shooting percentage, and their recent uptick in pace—they now play at the third fastest rate in the league—has led to high-scoring affairs, but also more opportunities for opponents to exploit their defensive gaps.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, has stepped up in Irving’s absence, averaging 19.4 points and 5.2 assists over his last five games. P.J. Washington adds 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, and Ryan Nembhard is dishing out 5.3 assists per contest. The probable starting lineup for Dallas features Ryan Nembhard and Max Christie at guard, Cooper Flagg and PJ Washington at forward, and Daniel Gafford at center. The Mavs will wear their Statement Edition blue uniforms as they look to keep their home streak alive.
Statistically, this matchup promises fireworks. The 76ers average 116.4 points per game, just a shade below the 117.7 points the Mavericks surrender. Dallas, meanwhile, puts up 113.7 points per game—close to the 116.3 points Philly allows on average. Betting experts have pegged the Sixers as 2.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 231.5, reflecting the expectation of a fast-paced, high-scoring contest. "Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS when favored on the road," notes The Action Network, underscoring the Sixers’ reliability in these spots.
Player prop bets are also drawing attention. Tyrese Maxey, currently fourth in the NBA in three-pointers made, is projected to go over 3.5 made threes, riding the hot hand from his 38-point performance in the Sixers’ last meeting with Dallas. For the Mavericks, Cooper Flagg is expected to surpass 4.5 assists, given his increased playmaking duties in Irving’s absence and the return of Davis as a high-gravity roll man.
Both teams have plenty to play for. The Sixers are fighting to maintain their top-six status in the East and build momentum heading into a tough stretch that includes matchups against the Knicks, Nuggets, Wizards, Magic, and Raptors. Dallas, meanwhile, is desperate to halt their slide and prove their home court is still a fortress, even with key players sidelined.
As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on the stars—Maxey and Embiid for Philadelphia, Flagg and Davis for Dallas—and the supporting casts that have defined these teams’ rollercoaster seasons. With both squads hungry for a statement win, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle deep in the heart of Texas. If the Sixers can execute their game plan and exploit Dallas’ defensive weaknesses, they’ll be in prime position to sweep the season series and head home with renewed confidence. For the Mavericks, extending their home win streak could be the spark they need to turn their season around.
With the action set to unfold on NBA TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia, and streaming on FuboTV, DirecTV, and SlingTV, basketball fans won’t want to miss a minute as the Sixers and Mavericks clash in a New Year’s Day duel that promises plenty of drama and no shortage of storylines.
