The Dallas Mavericks are set to welcome the Indiana Pacers to the American Airlines Center on Monday night at 7 p.m. Central Time. Both clubs are still finding their footing early in the 2026‑27 NBA season, and the matchup offers a chance for Dallas to build on its 6‑4 start while Indiana hopes to snap a difficult opening stretch.
Recent performance and season context
Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 26‑56 record overall and went 16‑25 at home. Defensively, Dallas allowed 119.6 points per game and committed an average of 18.4 fouls each contest. The Pacers, by contrast, posted a 19‑63 overall record and struggled on the road, going 8‑33 away from home. Indiana shot 45.8% from the field and 35.6% from three‑point range during that campaign.
Head‑to‑head history
This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Mavericks captured the first encounter on Oct. 23, winning 121‑105. Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 24 points in that victory, showcasing the offensive firepower that the Mavericks hope to sustain.
Injury updates
Both squads will be missing several contributors. The Mavericks list forward Tarik Biberović (heel) and guard Sergio de Larrea (knee) as out, with forward Dereck Lively II sidelined by a foot issue. Indiana is without point guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) and forward Ben Sheppard (meniscus). Guard T.J. McConnell is day‑to‑day with a hamstring strain, and forward Johnny Furphy is out for the season after an ACL injury.
What the game means for Dallas
With a 6‑4 record, Dallas sits near the top of the Western Conference’s tenth spot and is looking to solidify its position for a playoff push. The Mavericks’ recent home performances have been encouraging, and a win against Indiana would reinforce the team’s upward trajectory after a rebuilding year.
What the game means for Indiana
Indiana’s 3‑7 start places the Pacers in the Eastern Conference’s lower tier. A victory would provide a morale boost and help the team avoid falling further behind in the race for a postseason berth. The Pacers will need to rely on their veteran leadership and depth to compensate for the absence of Haliburton and other injured players.
Key players to watch
- Kyrie Irving (DAL) – The former MVP continues to be the Mavericks’ primary scoring option.
- Luka Dončić (DAL) – Expect the Slovenian star to orchestrate the offense and look for his usual mix of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding.
- Jaden Ivey (IND) – The young guard will likely shoulder much of the scoring load in Haliburton’s absence.
- Pascal Siakam (IND) – The forward’s versatility on both ends could be a deciding factor for the Pacers.
Looking ahead
Both teams have a packed schedule in the weeks ahead, with the Mavericks set to face additional Western Conference opponents and the Pacers continuing their grind against Eastern rivals. The outcome of tonight’s game will be an early indicator of how each club is adjusting to injuries and integrating new pieces.
Fans can catch the live broadcast on local sports networks or stream it through the NBA’s official platforms. Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early for security screening and to enjoy the pre‑game entertainment that the American Airlines Center typically offers.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
