Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trail Blazers: Game Preview, Prediction, and Key Matchups for December 29, 2025 NBA Clash

Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trail Blazers: Full Preview and Prediction for December 29, 2025 NBA GameThe NBA action continues on Monday, December 29, 2025, with an intriguing Western Conference showdown as the Dallas Mavericks visit the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT local time). This Mavericks vs Trail Blazers game marks the second meeting between the teams this season, with Dallas holding a 1-0 series lead after a thrilling 138-133 overtime victory on November 16, 2025.Both teams enter this contest with sub-.500 records, sitting in the lower half of the Western Conference standings. The Mavericks are 12-21 (12th place), while the Trail Blazers are 13-19 (10th place). Fans searching for Mavericks vs Trail Blazers live updates, streaming options, or predictions will find this matchup pivotal as the calendar year winds down.How to Watch Mavericks vs Trail Blazers December 29, 2025This game will be broadcast nationally as part of an NBA Monday doubleheader on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Local viewers can catch it on regional networks. For those looking for Mavericks vs Trail Blazers live stream options, Peacock offers comprehensive coverage alongside highlights on NBA League Pass.Check out the official game page on NBA.com for live stats and more: https://www.nba.com/game/dal-vs-por-0022500457Team Form and Recent PerformancesThe Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 113-107 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, marking their fourth defeat in five games. They've struggled on the road, dropping six straight away contests, and sit at just 3-12 in road games this season. Despite the rough patch, rookie Cooper Flagg has been a bright spot, consistently delivering standout performances, including 23 points in the recent loss to Sacramento.Dallas previously edged Portland in a high-scoring overtime thriller earlier this season, where Flagg and P.J. Washington each scored 21 points. The Mavericks have historically dominated this matchup, winning 14 of the last 17 meetings against the Trail Blazers.On the other side, the Portland Trail Blazers are playing the second night of a back-to-back after a impressive 114-108 upset win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday. That victory snapped a three-game skid and showcased the potential of their young core. Shaedon Sharpe dropped a season-high 36 points in their November loss to Dallas, while Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan have been key contributors recently.Portland holds a 6-9 home record and will look to capitalize on playing at Moda Center. However, fatigue from the back-to-back could play a factor.Key Injuries Impacting Mavericks vs Trail BlazersInjuries are a major storyline for both squads. For the Mavericks:Anthony Davis (adductor soreness) is listed as questionable after missing the Sacramento game. Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum remain out long-term. Portland's injury report is also lengthy, with several players questionable, including key forwards and guards potentially limited.These absences could force both teams to rely heavily on their benches and emerging talents like Flagg for Dallas and Sharpe/Avdija for Portland.Key Players to Watch in Mavericks vs Trail Blazers 2025Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks): The 2025 No. 1 overall pick has lived up to the hype, providing scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. He's a must-watch in every Mavericks game.Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Trail Blazers): After his 36-point explosion against Dallas earlier, Sharpe could be primed for another big night.Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers): Avdija's all-around game and Clingan's rim protection will be crucial against Dallas' frontcourt.P.J. Washington (Mavericks): Expect him to step up if Davis is limited.Betting Odds and Prediction for Mavericks vs Trail BlazersAs of pre-game lines, the Trail Blazers are slight favorites at -1.5 to -2.5 points, with the over/under set around 232.5 points, reflecting the potential for another high-scoring affair given their November meeting.Prediction: In a close contest between two rebuilding teams, the home advantage and momentum from upsetting Boston give Portland the edge. Trail Blazers win 118-114, covering the spread.However, if Cooper Flagg explodes and Davis plays, Dallas could steal a road win. This Mavericks vs Trail Blazers prediction leans toward Portland due to Dallas' road woes.Why This Game Matters in the 2025-26 NBA SeasonAs the NBA heads into 2026, both teams are battling for positioning in a crowded Western Conference play-in race. Wins like this could provide momentum heading into the new year. For Mavericks fans, it's a chance to see Flagg continue his Rookie of the Year campaign, while Blazers supporters hope their young core builds on recent positives.Stay tuned for post-game recaps, highlights, and analysis. This December 29 Mavericks vs Trail Blazers matchup promises excitement for NBA fans searching for late-night basketball action.For more NBA news, including upcoming games and player updates,