Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball and Dallas Mavericks Cooper Flagg (Image via Getty) The Charlotte Hornets visit the Dallas Mavericks with both teams trying to stay on track in a tight playoff race. Charlotte comes in with a bit of momentum. Dallas is trying to hold its ground at home.Injuries are the main story on both sides. Several regular players are out, and a few others may or may not play. Because of that, this game will likely depend on which team can get steady minutes from the players who are available.The game takes place at the American Airlines Center, where Dallas has been solid but not dominant this season.
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks current injury situation (January 29, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets are without center Mason Plumlee because of a groin injury. He has no set return date. His absence hurts the team’s rebounding and rim defense.Guard KJ Simpson is questionable with a hip flexor strain. Center Moussa Cisse is also questionable due to illness. If both miss the game, Charlotte will have fewer options in the rotation.Dallas Mavericks is missing several key players. Kyrie Irving is out with a knee injury. Dante Exum and Dereck Lively II are out for the season. Anthony Davis is also sidelined with a hand and finger issue.Two Dallas wings are day to day. Rookie Cooper Flagg has an ankle injury. Veteran shooter Klay Thompson is dealing with a knee problem. If either one cannot go, Dallas loses shooting and defense on the perimeter.
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Recent scoring form
Recent games between these teams have been close. Charlotte has relied on quick guards and pace to keep up even when facing bigger lineups.Over the last ten games, Charlotte has scored 116.2 points per game and allowed 114.6. Dallas has scored about 117 per game but given up 115.2. Both numbers point to high-scoring, tight games.Both teams have also shot well from the field in recent games. Charlotte is just above 49 percent. Dallas is around 48.5 percent. If that continues, points should come easily for both sides.
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Season snapshot before the game
CategoryCharlotte HornetsDallas Mavericks Points per game ~116.2 ~117.0 Opponent PPG ~114.6 ~115.2 FG% ~49.4% ~48.5% Rebounds per game ~45.0 ~44.0 Assists per game ~26.0 ~25.0 Home record (DAL) / Away record (CHA) Dallas: 14–13 at home Hornets: 11–15 on the roadDallas has a slight edge at home. Charlotte has scored well on the road even though its away record is below .500.
Where Charlotte Hornets can attack
Without Plumlee, Charlotte Hornets are playing faster and using more drives instead of post play. If Simpson is available, he adds another steady ball handler off the bench. That helps keep the pace up and puts pressure on Dallas’ thin guard rotation. Dallas is short on size inside, so Charlotte will look to get into the paint and force help defense.
What Dallas Mavericks need to do
With so many big men out, Dallas Mavericks will likely play smaller lineups and rely on shooting. If Flagg and Thompson play, they will need to stretch the floor and take tough defensive assignments. If either one is out or limited, Dallas will struggle to space the court. Without a true rim protector, Dallas must defend drives as a group and avoid giving up easy looks near the basket.
Key factors in the Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks game (January 29, 2026)
– Attacking the paint: Charlotte should try to get downhill and test Dallas inside on every trip.- Wing minutes for Dallas: How long Flagg and Thompson can stay on the floor will affect both scoring and defense.- Game pace: Both teams score a lot. If the game turns into a fast back-and-forth contest, depth and stamina will matter late.Dallas is missing more important players, while most of Charlotte’s main rotation is available. If Flagg and Thompson are limited or out, Charlotte has a clear plan: push the pace and keep attacking the rim. If those two play and hit shots, Dallas can keep the game even from the outside.Expect a high-scoring game where the healthier and deeper rotation has the edge in the final minutes.