Where to watch Thunder vs Mavericks in the NBA: times, tickets and recent history of the Western rivalsBy Janderson Luiz
5 min read
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Oklahoma City Thunder hosts Dallas Mavericks this Friday, December 5, 2025, for the NBA regular season, at Paycom Center, at Oklahoma City. The game, scheduled for 8:30 pm local time, pits the leader of Oeste with a record of 21 wins and 1 loss against a team on the rise with three consecutive victories. The match highlights the Thunder’s dominant defense, which allows just 107 points per game, against the Mavericks’s inconsistent attack, which seeks balance with young talent.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reigning MVP, leads the Thunder with an average of 32.8 points per game, while the Mavericks counts on the return of The clash takes place in the midst of a 13-game winning streak for the home team, testing Dallas’s ability to overcome the opponent’s defensive pressure.
- Thunder: 21-1, best defense in the league (107 ppg allowed).
- Mavericks: 8-15, three straight wins, but 27th in offense (111.4 ppg).
- Recent history: Thunder won the last matchup 101-94 in October.
The weather in Oklahoma City favors the outdoor game for fans, with sunny skies and temperatures around 11°C during the day, falling to -4°C at night, with no precipitation expected.
Probable formation and confirmed absences
Coach Mark Daigneault, from Thunder, must choose an adjusted rotation due to injuries in the defensive sector. Luguentz Dort (thigh), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Alex Caruso (quadriceps) are out, forcing adaptations in the perimeter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should lead the attack, alongside Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in the big box.
For the Mavericks, Jason Kidd prioritizes balance with Ryan Nembhard in the frame. Kyrie Irving (knee) and Dereck Lively II (foot) are certain absences, while Daniel Gafford (ankle) and P.J. Washington (ankle) are doubts. Cooper Flagg, standout freshman, gets extra minutes at wing.
The Thunder lineup in the last game, against the Warriors, included Gilgeous-Alexander (38 points), Williams (22 points) and Holmgren (21 points), a 124-112 victory. Já the Mavericks, in the victory over Heat (118-108), saw Flagg with 22 points and Davis with a double-double (17 points, 17 rebounds).
These absences directly impact defensive intensity, with Thunder depending more on Wallace in reserve to cover the perimeter.
Recent performance of each team
Thunder arrives at home undefeated and with just one defeat this season, beating Warriors 124-112 on Tuesday, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 38 points. The team leads the Conferência Oeste by a large margin, thanks to the offensive efficiency of 122.3 points per game.
The Mavericks, in turn, broke a bad streak with victories over Clippers (114-110), Nuggets (131-121) and Heat (118-108), showing improvement in shooting from three (39.7% in the last five games). Ainda thus, the 8-15 record reflects inconsistencies on offense.
This recent form highlights the contrast: Thunder dominates with 13 consecutive victories, while Dallas seeks consistency to climb the Sudoeste table.
Mavericks’s run includes double-doubles from Davis in two of three games, signaling a return to form after injuries.
History of clashes between rivals
The teams met five times last season, with Mavericks slightly ahead 3-2, but Thunder won the most recent 101-94 in October. Overall, in 179 regular games, Oklahoma City leads 92-87.
In the playoffs, the record is balanced, with 3-3 in series, including the Oeste semifinal in 2024, won by Dallas. Esses duels are usually decided in the paint, where Holmgren and Davis historically compete for rebounds.
Paycom Center has been the scene of tight victories for Thunder, who have won the last three at home against Dallas by an average margin of 8 points.
This regional rivalry, dating back to 2008, adds extra tension to today’s game.
Where to watch live and streaming options
The match will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, with narration in English and audio options in Portuguese for Brasil. On the app or website, coverage starts 30 minutes before the jump ball, including pre-game analysis.
For fans in the US, Prime Video covers the game nationally, with no regional blackouts. No Brasil, the service is available via monthly subscription, with a 30-day free trial for new users.
Other options include NBA League Pass for post-game highlights, but live is restricted to Prime. Audio can be accessed via SiriusXM channel 86.
Tickets for Paycom Center are still available online, with prices starting at US$44, and capacity for 18,203 fans.
Weather factors and event logistics
The weather in Oklahoma City this Friday features full sun during the day, with a maximum of 11°C, ideal for pre-game activities around the stadium. At night, the temperature drops to -4°C, recommending warm clothing for those watching outside.
There is no rain or strong wind forecast, which favors a calm atmosphere at Paycom Center. The stadium, located in the city center, offers ample parking and public transportation via OKC Streetcar.
For visitors, nearby hotels like Omni Oklahoma City Hotel are minutes away, making access easy. The forecast indicates low humidity, with no impact on the indoor floor.
These logistical elements ensure total focus on basketball, without external interruptions.
Featured players and key statistics
Shai Jalen Williams contributes 16.3 points and 5 rebounds, essential in transition.
By Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, number 1 draft pick, averages 18.4 points in the last 17 games, with 6.7 rebounds. Anthony Davis, recovered, recorded 17 points and 17 rebounds in the last duel, dominating the paint.
Thunder leads in defensive rebounds (44 per game), while Dallas is the best at limiting three-pointers (32.6% opponents). Essas metrics suggest a balanced duel on the perimeter.
Holmgren, with 21 points against Warriors, can neutralize Davis in direct duels.
Expectations and predictions for the score
Analysts point to favoritism for Thunder by 14.5 points, with a total of 229.5 points projected. Oklahoma City’s defense should contain Dallas’s attack, predicting a score of 123-105.
The under has attracted bets, given the slow pace of the Mavericks (106.3 ppg in the last five). Para o Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander must exceed 30 points again.
Dallas needs Flagg efficiency to surprise, but the rival’s undefeated streak weighs heavily. Thunder’s victory extends the mark to 14 games.















