Oklahoma City, OK - The stage is set for another thrilling showdown as the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to host the Dallas Mavericks at the Paycom Center on January 23, 2025. This matchup marks the fourth and final regular-season engagement between the two Western Conference rivals, with high stakes on the line.
The Thunder currently stand tall at the top of the Western Conference with an impressive record of 36-7. They are coming off two recent losses, including one against the very Mavericks they are set to face. The last encounter between the teams on January 17, 2025, saw the Mavericks clinch victory with their strong performance. This history makes tonight's game particularly intense, as the Thunder will be eager to avenge their earlier defeat.
For the Mavericks (23-21), the situation has been challenging, reflected by their recent form and injuries. Notably absent for this upcoming game will be superstar Luka Dončić, whose calf strain has kept him off the court since Christmas. Other notable injuries include Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Naji Marshall, all of whom will be sidelined, leaving Kyrie Irving to shoulder significant responsibility for leading the team.
The Thunder's current form has been bolstered by star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is enjoying a spectacular season, averaging 32.0 points per game and recently scoring 54 points against the Utah Jazz. His performance is key to the Thunder’s strategy and success, especially with the Mavericks’ defense expected to focus on limiting his impact.
Tonight's game is expected to tip off at 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, with streaming available on platforms like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. For fans attending the game, the atmosphere promises to be electric, fueled by the rivalry as both teams vie for dominance.
Betting odds currently favor the Thunder heavily, with Oklahoma City listed as 13.5-point favorites. The over/under for total points is set at 222, reflecting expectations for potentially lower scoring due to both teams facing fatigue from back-to-back games. Expert predictions suggest the Thunder will leverage their home advantage and past performance to secure the win, but historical results show Dallas can never be completely discounted.
The stakes are high tonight as both teams head toward the playoffs. With the Mavericks hoping to disrupt the Thunder's title aspirations and the Thunder eager to even the score from the last encounter, fans are set for another chapter in this storied rivalry.