Mavericks Dominate Thunder in Home Victory
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · American Airlines Center
Dallas Mavericks 120, Oklahoma City Thunder 96, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks?
Dallas Mavericks beat Oklahoma City Thunder 120-96 at American Airlines Center on October 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks?
Oklahoma City Thunder were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a commanding performance, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-96 at the American Airlines Center. This victory marks the Mavericks' second win in their last three games, improving their home record to 3-2 for the season. The Mavericks had previously lost to the Thunder in their last three meetings, making this win particularly significant for them as they now lead the series 1-0 in the current season.
The Mavericks entered the game with a recent record of 4-6 over their last ten games, with an average of 119.0 points scored and 122.5 points allowed per game. Their last five games saw them going 3-2, with an average scoring of 119.8 points while allowing 118.4 points. In contrast, the Thunder had been in excellent form, boasting a record of 8-2 in their last ten games and a current winning streak of four games. They averaged 119.1 points scored and only 106.9 points allowed during that stretch.
At home, the Mavericks have performed decently, with a home record of 2-2, while the Thunder have shown strength on the road, going 3-1. The Thunder's away record has been solid, but their performance against the Mavericks has historically been challenging, as evidenced by their previous three losses against them this season.
In terms of injuries, the Mavericks faced significant challenges with multiple players sidelined. Naji Marshall, Tarik Biberovic, Santi Aldama, Sergio de Larrea, and Dereck Lively II were all out due to various ailments, including illness and injuries to the knee and foot. The Thunder were also impacted by injuries, with Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Thomas Sorber, Chet Holmgren, and Nikola Topic all unavailable for this matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Thunder as 4.5-point favorites, with a total set at 227.5 points. The odds reflected the Thunder's strong start to the season, but the Mavericks' performance in this game defied those expectations.
The game conditions were favorable for basketball, with no notable weather issues affecting play. The Mavericks capitalized on their home court advantage, showcasing effective offensive strategies and strong defense throughout the game.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays from P.J. Washington, who contributed significantly in the fourth quarter, helping the Mavericks pull away decisively. The Mavericks' ability to maintain a lead and control the tempo of the game was evident, as they executed their plays effectively and limited the Thunder's scoring opportunities.
Overall, this victory not only boosts the Mavericks' confidence but also sets a tone for their upcoming games as they look to build on this performance. The Thunder, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their recent struggles against the Mavericks as they continue their season.
What we said beforehand
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks boasting an impressive 4-0 record, while the Mavericks sit at 2-2. This game will take place at the American Airlines Center on October 29, 2026, at 01:30 UTC. The Thunder's strong start to the season makes this fixture particularly intriguing, as they look to maintain their undefeated streak against a Mavericks team that has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to find consistency.
In their last five games, the Mavericks have recorded two wins and three losses. They lost to the Atlanta Hawks (135-111), Houston Rockets (128-110), and San Antonio Spurs (122-106), while securing victories against the Indiana Pacers (121-105) and the Miami Heat (113-109). This gives them a scoring average of 113.2 points per game over this stretch, while allowing 118.6 points. In contrast, the Thunder have won all their last five games, defeating the Houston Rockets (116-89), San Antonio Spurs (116-104), Denver Nuggets (96-84), LA Clippers (108-101), and Phoenix Suns (125-114). They have averaged 112.4 points scored and allowed just 99.6 points during this streak.
When considering home and away performances, the Mavericks have a home record of 2-2, while the Thunder have excelled on the road with a 3-1 record. The Mavericks have averaged 119.0 points scored at home but have allowed 122.5 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. The Thunder, on the other hand, have shown a solid away performance with an average of 109.6 points scored and 107.6 points allowed in their last five games.
Historically, the Mavericks have struggled against the Thunder, losing all three previous meetings in the current season. Their most recent encounter was on March 2, 2026, where the Mavericks lost 87-100 at home. In earlier matchups, they also fell to the Thunder 111-132 on December 6, 2025, and 94-101 on October 28, 2025. This trend adds pressure on the Mavericks as they seek to break the losing streak against a formidable opponent.
In terms of injuries, the Mavericks will be without Naji Marshall (illness), Tarik Biberovic (heel), Santi Aldama (knee), Sergio de Larrea (knee), and Dereck Lively II (foot). The Thunder will also be missing Jalen Williams (leg), Alex Caruso (ankle), Thomas Sorber (knee), Chet Holmgren (knee), and Nikola Topic (back). The absence of key players on both sides could significantly impact the game dynamics.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Thunder favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 228.5. The odds for the Thunder to win outright are -192, while the Mavericks are at +160. This indicates a strong belief in the Thunder's ability to extend their winning streak against the Mavericks.
As the teams prepare for this matchup, viewers should watch for the performance of Cooper Flagg for the Mavericks, who leads the team in points (25.0) and assists (6.3). For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the standout player, averaging 27.2 points per game. The game promises to showcase contrasting styles, with the Thunder's defensive prowess against the Mavericks' offensive capabilities, making it a must-watch for basketball fans.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OKC -4.5 | 227.5 o -110 / u -110 | Oklahoma City Thunder -192 · Dallas Mavericks +160 |
Injury report
- Naji MarshallOutIllnessDallas Mavericks
- Tarik BiberovicOutHeelDallas Mavericks
- Santi AldamaOutKneeDallas Mavericks
- Sergio de LarreaOutKneeDallas Mavericks
- Dereck Lively IIOutFootDallas Mavericks
- Jalen WilliamsOutLegOklahoma City Thunder
- Alex CarusoOutAnkleOklahoma City Thunder
- Thomas SorberOutKneeOklahoma City Thunder
- Chet HolmgrenOutKneeOklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola TopicOutBackOklahoma City Thunder
Leaders
- PointsCooper Flagg26Dallas Mavericks
- AssistsCooper Flagg8Dallas Mavericks
- ReboundsDaniel Gafford11Dallas Mavericks
- PointsAjay Mitchell29Oklahoma City Thunder
- AssistsJared McCain4Oklahoma City Thunder
- ReboundsIsaiah Hartenstein14Oklahoma City Thunder
Recent form
Dallas Mavericks
Last 10: 4-6Streak W1119 scored · 122.5 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W113-109at Miami HeatOct 26
- L106-122vs San Antonio SpursOct 25
- W121-105at Indiana PacersOct 23
- L110-128at Houston RocketsOct 22
- W149-128vs Chicago BullsApr 13
- L120-139at San Antonio SpursApr 11
- L107-112at Phoenix SunsApr 9
- L103-116at LA ClippersApr 8
- W134-128vs Los Angeles LakersApr 5
- L127-138vs Orlando MagicApr 4
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last 10: 8-2Streak W4119.1 scored · 106.9 allowed per game3-1 away
- W125-114vs Phoenix SunsOct 27
- W108-101vs LA ClippersOct 25
- W96-84vs Denver NuggetsOct 23
- W116-104at San Antonio SpursOct 21
- L103-135vs Phoenix SunsApr 13
- L107-127at Denver NuggetsApr 11
- W128-110at LA ClippersApr 9
- W123-87at Los Angeles LakersApr 8
- W146-111vs Utah JazzApr 5
- W139-96vs Los Angeles LakersApr 3
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | - | 0 | W3 | 1.000 | 3 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 1 | L1 | .800 | 4 |
| Minnesota | 1 | 2 | L2 | .600 | 3 |
| Denver | 1.5 | 2 | W1 | .500 | 2 |
| Utah | 3 | 4 | L3 | .200 | 1 |
| Houston | - | 0 | W5 | 1.000 | 5 |
| Memphis | 0.5 | 0 | W4 | 1.000 | 4 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 2 | W3 | .600 | 3 |
| Dallas | 2 | 2 | W2 | .600 | 3 |
| New Orleans | 4.5 | 4 | L4 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Oklahoma City Thunder | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 36-87 | 46-97 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 5-32 | 16-45 |
| Three-point % | 16 | 36 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 12-15 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 34 |
| Assists | 17 | 30 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 42 |
| Fouls | 19 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 5 | 81 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter66-78Ajay Mitchell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 3rd Quarter68-78Ajay Mitchell makes 7-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter71-78Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ajay Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-80Cooper Flagg makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter71-82Morez Johnson Jr. makes running layup (Walter Clayton Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-82Aday Mara makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-82Aday Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-84Cooper Flagg makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter75-84Isaiah Hartenstein makes two point shot (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-86Zaccharie Risacher makes reverse layup (Walter Clayton Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-86Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes layup (Isaiah Hartenstein assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-87Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-88Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-90Cooper Flagg makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter77-92Caleb Martin makes 21-foot jumper (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-92Isaiah Hartenstein makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-92Isaiah Hartenstein makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-93Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-94Cooper Flagg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-94Josh Dix makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter83-94Ajay Mitchell makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-96Marcus Sasser makes running layup
- 4th Quarter83-98Zaccharie Risacher makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter85-98Ajay Mitchell makes 14-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter85-101Zaccharie Risacher makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 4th Quarter87-101Isaiah Hartenstein makes layup (Ajay Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter87-103Caleb Martin makes 21-foot jumper (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 4th Quarter87-105Daniel Gafford makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter89-105Ajay Mitchell makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-108Caleb Martin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kyrie Irving assists)
- 4th Quarter91-108Ajay Mitchell makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-108Ajay Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-108Ajay Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-111P.J. Washington makes 24-foot three point jumper (Max Christie assists)
- 4th Quarter93-113P.J. Washington makes layup (Daniel Gafford assists)
- 4th Quarter93-115P.J. Washington makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Max Christie assists)
- 4th Quarter93-117Morez Johnson Jr. makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter93-120Max Christie makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tobi Lawal assists)
- 4th Quarter94-120Brooks Barnhizer makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter96-120Brooks Barnhizer makes 8-foot two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Dallas Mavericks, below favours Oklahoma City Thunder.
Venue
- American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
- Attendance18111
- OfficialsJames Williams, Marat Kogut, Brandon Adair
Elsewhere
- Mavericks hand the Thunder their first loss of the season
- Cooper Flagg has 26 points, 8 assists as Mavericks beat depleted Thunder 120-96
- Wembanyama scores 36 points and the Spurs clamp down in overtime to beat the Jazz 117-111
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz: Game Highlights
- Nikola Jokic records 200th career triple-double in Nuggets' win over Pelicans
- Curry scores 44 points as the Warriors hold on to beat the Timberwolves 119-114
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