Dallas Mavericks right now

November 22, 2025

The 2025-2026 Dallas Mavericks season has been anything but smooth. As of late November, the team sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a frustrating 5-12 record. From key player absences to a recent front-office shakeup, the franchise is at a clear crossroads. However, amidst the chaos, a beacon of hope is emerging from their prized rookie.

The Injury Report: A Star-Laden Sideline

The primary reason for the Mavs' struggles is the sheer number of significant injuries that have decimated their roster. They are currently playing without their two biggest stars, dramatically impacting their performance and depth:

• Anthony Davis (F-C): Out with a left calf strain. Acquired in a trade for franchise star Luka Doncic, his absence is the most critical on the court, robbing the team of its primary interior presence and two-way star. He is expected to be re-evaluated soon, but the team is proceeding cautiously.

• Kyrie Irving (G): Out indefinitely as he continues to recover from left knee surgery. While there are reports he is ahead of schedule, his return is still weeks away, potentially late January or mid-February.

• Dante Exum (G): Unfortunately, Exum will miss the remainder of the season due to a right knee issue requiring follow-up surgery.

This long list of injuries means the Mavs' current lineup is often undersized and lacks the star power necessary to compete consistently in the tough Western Conference.

Front Office in Flux: Saying Goodbye to Nico Harrison

The poor start to the season ultimately led to a major change in the front office. General Manager Nico Harrison was relieved of his duties earlier this month.

Harrison was the executive who orchestrated the massive trade sending Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis and was later involved in the Kyrie Irving extension. The recent moves, coupled with the disastrous start to the season, prompted owner Patrick Dumont to make a change. Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have reportedly taken over basketball operations on an interim basis. This leadership vacuum adds an element of uncertainty to the team's future strategy, especially as the trade deadline approaches.

🔥 The Lone Star Hope: Cooper Flagg

The one unmitigated positive to emerge from this turbulent start is the incredible play of rookie Cooper Flagg. The first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is quickly becoming the centerpiece of the new-look Mavericks.

• Rookie Sensation: Flagg is already proving to be a capable two-way player, recently dropping a career-high 29 points in a hard-fought victory against the Pelicans.

• Building a Foundation: Head Coach Jason Kidd has entrusted the 18-year-old with significant minutes, and he is showing a high-level basketball IQ, particularly on defense. Flagg’s emergence provides the franchise with a genuine superstar to build around for the next decade.

Conclusion: Which Path Will Dallas Take?

The Mavericks are currently treading water. With a 5-12 record, their playoff hopes are dimming, leading to speculation about the team's direction:

1. Wait and See: Do they ride out the injuries, hoping a healthy Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving can make a late-season surge?

2. Trade and Rebuild: Given the injuries and record, the team may look to trade Anthony Davis for assets to accelerate a build around Cooper Flagg.

For now, the story of the Dallas Mavericks is one of injuries and uncertainty, but every night Flagg steps onto the court, the future shines a little brighter.

📣 MFFL Fan Poll

What should the Mavericks do next?

• A) Wait for Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving to get healthy and make a run.

• B) Trade Anthony Davis for young assets and fully commit to the Cooper Flagg timeline.