Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Preview – December 10

The Dallas Mavericks visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night in the NBA Cup knockout stage at Paycom Center. Both teams enter the contest in stellar form, with the Mavericks on a seven-game win streak and the Thunder winning seven of their last eight games. This game also counts towards the regular-season standings, adding extra stakes to this matchup.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have been on a tear thanks to Luka Doncic’s dominant performances since returning from a wrist injury. Doncic, averaging 31.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists over his last four games, is coming off consecutive triple-doubles, including a 30-point, 13-rebound, and 11-assist outing against the Toronto Raptors. He now ranks seventh on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list with 79.
Dallas has been excelling in tight contests, with six of their last nine games against Oklahoma City decided by single digits. In their last meeting on November 17, the Mavericks edged the Thunder 121-119 despite Doncic being sidelined. P.J. Washington led the charge with 27 points and 17 rebounds in that game. For Tuesday, Washington and Naji Marshall are listed as questionable due to illness, while Maxi Kleber and Jaden Hardy remain out.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have solidified their position atop the Western Conference with balanced team play and standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in this season’s top games, has scored at least 30 points in six of his last seven outings. His ability to deliver in critical moments makes him a focal point of Oklahoma City’s attack.
Isaiah Hartenstein has emerged as a key contributor since returning from injury, averaging 11.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over eight games. Hartenstein’s passing ability has been a surprise asset, helping to compensate for the absence of Chet Holmgren. The Thunder’s depth and defensive tenacity, highlighted by their league-best defensive field goal percentage, have propelled them to their strong start.
Pick and Prediction
This game features two of the league’s brightest stars in Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both capable of taking over games. The Mavericks have momentum, but the Thunder’s depth and defensive strength, coupled with their home-court advantage, give them a slight edge. Expect a close contest with Oklahoma City pulling away in the fourth quarter.
- Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 118, Dallas Mavericks 114