The Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) visit the Dallas Mavericks (1-2) tonight at American Airlines Center in Dallas in a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown.

Oklahoma City enters the matchup undefeated and looks like the reigning champion they are. Their first two wins did not come easily: both double overtime victories over the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. And yet they managed to close out wins, with gritty play from one of the grittiest and youngest lineups in the NBA.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks once again in MVP form, averaging 40.3 points over the first three games, along with 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Three games is a small sample size, but Chet Holmgren appears to have elevated his game in his third year as a pro, averaging 24.7 points per game along with 10.0 rebounds. He’s coming off a 31-point performance on Saturday in the 117-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks, a much easier victory than the Thunder’s first two of the season.

Dallas, meanwhile, is 1-2 and seeking to even things out on home court. The Mavericks showed they can score in bunches — 139 points last night against the Toronto Raptors in their first win of the season. But they’re vulnerable to the league’s best defenses. The San Antonio Spurs limited them to just 92 points in their season opener. And now they face the Thunder, who boast two-way excellence.

The Mavs lack a natural point guard, with Cooper Flagg playing that role to start the season. And it shows with the poor ball movement. Dallas has an abundance of front-court talent but lacks a floor general. And to think, they used to have not just a genuine point guard, but one of the best in the game. No wonder “Fire Nico” chants have been ringing out already at American Airlines Center.

Predictions

The Thunder’s cohesion, elite two-way play, and depth give them the edge—even on the road.

Prediction: Thunder 118, Mavericks 111

Injury Report

Oklahoma City Thunder

Alex Caruso — Out (concussion)

Chet Holmgren — Questionable (back soreness)

Jalen Williams — Out (wrist surgery)

Isaiah Joe — Out (knee contusion)

Kenrich Williams — Out (knee surgery)

Nikola Topic — Out (testicular surgery)

Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving — Out (left knee surgery)

Daniel Gafford — Out (right ankle sprain)

Brandon Williams — Out (personal reasons)

Dante Exum — Out (right knee)

Dereck Lively II — Day-to-day (knee)

How to Watch Thunder vs. Mavericks

Tip-off for tonight’s Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks game is set for 8:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Central at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The game airs live on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma and KFAA-TV.

Fans in the Oklahoma City broadcast market without a FanDuel Sports Network subscription can purchase one on Amazon here.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.

Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.

Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

Time: 8:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Central

Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, KFAA-TV

Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)