The Dallas Mavericks (20-36) arrive at the Barclays Centre tonight, 24 February 2026, looking to extend their dominance over a struggling Brooklyn Nets (15-41) squad. While both teams have faced significant hurdles this season, Dallas enters as the slight favourite to sweep the season series.
Game Information
- Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Tip-off: 7:30 PM ET (8:30 PM AT)
- Venue: Barclays Centre, Brooklyn, NY
- TV/Streaming: Local sports networks and NBA League Pass
The Matchup: Season Context
This is the second and final meeting between the two clubs this regular season. Dallas secured a 113-105 victory at home on 12 January, led by a standout 27-point performance from rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 55 of their 89 all-time regular-season encounters.
Brooklyn enters tonight’s contest on a four-game losing streak, desperate to find rhythm in front of their home crowd. The Nets have struggled with consistency, currently sitting 26 games under .500. Conversely, while the Mavericks have also endured a difficult stretch—going 1-9 in their last 10 games—they are coming off a recent victory and are favoured by oddsmakers to start a modest winning streak tonight.
Key Storylines & Roster Notes
- The Flagg Factor: Cooper Flagg continues to be the focal point for Dallas. His ability to stretch the floor (hitting 15 team threes in the last meeting) remains the primary threat to Brooklyn’s defence.
- Kyrie Irving Absence: The Mavericks remain without Kyrie Irving, who was previously ruled out for the remainder of the season as he continues recovery from ACL surgery.
- Brooklyn’s Defensive Woes: The Nets have struggled to contain high-scoring backcourts, and with Dallas favoured at -130 on the moneyline, the pressure is on Brooklyn’s interior defence to limit second-chance points.
- Draft Implications: With both teams well outside the playoff picture, much of the external conversation has shifted toward the 2026 NBA Draft. However, players on both sides are fighting for rotational spots in next year’s plans.
Betting Odds & Predictions
According to major sportsbooks, the Mavericks are 2.5-point favourites heading into the Barclays Centre. The total over/under is set at 226.5 points. Analysts suggest a close contest, with a projected final score in the neighbourhood of Dallas 115, Brooklyn 110.
For Brooklyn to pull off the upset, they must improve upon their recent 1-4 record against the spread and find a way to disrupt the Mavericks’ perimeter shooting, which has been the deciding factor in their head-to-head matchups over the last two seasons.