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DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 28: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks watches play during the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on January 28, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
On Sunday evening, the Dallas Mavericks will play the Oklahoma City Thunder (at home) in Texas.
The Mavs are coming off a 124-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies (also in Dallas).
Dallas Mavericks Sign Elite Shooter
Before the game, the Mavs announced that they had made a series of roster moves, including signing a talented G League shooter (John Poulakidas).
Mavs PR wrote: “The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed guard John Poulakidas and forward Tyler Smith to Two-Way contracts. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. In a related move, the Mavericks have requested waivers on Two-Way guard Miles Kelly.”
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: John Poulakidas #7 of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for a portrait during media day at Intuit Dome on September 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Poulakidas’s Background In Basketball
GettySPOKANE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 24: John Poulakidas #4 of the Yale Bulldogs shoots the ball against Lamont Butler #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 24, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Poulakidas played all four seasons of college basketball for Yale.
He averaged 19.4 points per contest while shooting 40.8% from three-point range during his senior season.
Yale guard John Poulakidas today in the upset win over Auburn in the NCAA Tournament #MarchMadness
— 28 PTS
— 2 REB
— 2 AST
— 2 STL
— 1 BLK
— 10/15 FG
— 6/9 3P
In the G League, Poulakidas is averaging 14.7 points per contest while shooting 47.3% from three-point range for the San Diego Clippers this season.
NBA G League wrote (on February 12): “30 PTS 🔥 7 REB 🔥 10 3PM 🔥 59% FG John Poulakidas scored a CAREER-HIGH and broke the @sandiego_clips franchise record for three-pointers in a game tonight vs. South Bay! 🎯”
GettySPOKANE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 22: John Poulakidas #4 of the Yale Bulldogs is showered by teammates in the locker room after a 78-76 victory against the Auburn Tigers in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 22, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks During 2025-26 NBA Season
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks gestures to his players during second-half action against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 10, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Suns won 120-111. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
The Mavs are currently the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 21-38 record in 59 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak (and have gone just 2-8 over their last ten).
Following the Thunder, the Mavs will play their next game on Tuesday when they visit LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina.
Isaac Harris of Locked On Mavs wrote: “Poulakidas played at Yale with danny wolf on the team that upset auburn a few years ago in the tourney. 6’6” lefty sniper. been in gleague for clippers. think like a bigger luke kennard two way flyer on a shooter”
Poulakidas played at Yale with danny wolf on the team that upset auburn a few years ago in the tourney. 6’6” lefty sniper. been in gleague for clippers. think like a bigger luke kennard
two way flyer on a shooter https://t.co/bIELwxtxiv
— Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) March 1, 2026
As for the Thunder, they are the first seed in the Western Conference with a 46-15 record in 61 games.
They are 21-8 in the 29 games they have played on the road away from Oklahoma City.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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