Mavericks Host Heat in Crucial Matchup After Road Trip

The Dallas Mavericks return home to face the Miami Heat on December 4, 2025, after completing an eight-day, four-game road trip. Currently positioned 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 7-15, the Mavericks have shown signs of improvement following recent performances. Their first back-to-back wins this season have injected new energy into the team.

In their latest outing, the Mavericks suffered a 129-119 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, which prompted an intense practice and video review session. Since then, Dallas has delivered two strong performances, with superstar Anthony Davis making a significant impact upon his return from injury. In his second start back, Davis scored 32 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and provided four assists, leading the Mavericks to a 131-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

The challenge now is whether Dallas can sustain this momentum against a formidable Miami team. The Heat arrive in Dallas on a high note, having secured a 140-123 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. This success came after a setback, where their six-game winning streak was halted by the Detroit Pistons. With a record of 14-7, Miami currently ranks third in the Eastern Conference and boasts the second-best scoring average in the league at 111.2 points per game.

Injury Updates and Starting Lineups

Miami’s head coach, Erik Spoelstra, will have most of his key players available, although there are a couple of concerns. Guard Norman Powell is undergoing a late medical test due to ongoing ankle issues, while Pelle Larsson is questionable after suffering a foot injury during the game against the Clippers. Expected starters include Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and potentially Powell, depending on his health.

On the Mavericks’ side, the team will be missing several crucial players. Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, and Dereck Lively have all been ruled out for the matchup. PJ Washington, who missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, is expected to undergo a late medical assessment. Daniel Gafford is also a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury against the Lakers. Coach Jason Kidd is likely to maintain the same starting lineup that achieved victory against the Nuggets, featuring Davis, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard.

Game Details and Broadcast Information

The matchup between the Mavericks and the Heat will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with the game scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. This encounter marks the second and final meeting between the two teams this season, following their previous matchup on November 25, where the Heat emerged victorious.

Local broadcasts in the U.S. will be provided by FDS/SUN, KFAA, WFAA, and NBA TV. Fans can also stream the game on Fubo, while international viewers can catch the action via NBA League Pass. As both teams prepare for this pivotal game, the outcome could significantly impact their respective season trajectories.