The Denver Nuggets are rolling into Dallas with momentum on their side, while the Mavericks are still searching for answers. Tuesday night’s clash at American Airlines Center is one of 14 games on the NBA slate, but this one carries plenty of intrigue-especially considering the contrasting directions these two Western Conference teams are heading.
Nuggets Riding High Behind Jokic and Murray
Denver enters the matchup with a 21-7 record, sitting second in the Western Conference standings. They’ve won four of their last five, and if their most recent performance is any indication, they’re starting to hit their stride.
In Monday’s 135-112 win over the Utah Jazz, the Nuggets’ stars came to play. Jamal Murray looked sharp, dropping 27 points along with six rebounds and five assists. His rhythm on the offensive end is becoming more consistent, and when he’s in sync with Nikola Jokic, Denver is tough to beat.
Speaking of Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP did what he does best-stuff the stat sheet with another triple-double: 14 points, 13 boards, and 13 assists. It wasn’t a flashy scoring night, but his fingerprints were all over the game. Jokic continues to be the engine that powers Denver’s offense, orchestrating possessions with the kind of poise and vision that few big men in league history have ever possessed.
Mavericks Battling Through Injuries and Inconsistency
On the other side, Dallas is sitting at 11-19 and currently 11th in the West. They’ve dropped two straight, including Monday’s 119-113 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite the defeat, Anthony Davis turned in a monster performance-season-high 35 points, 17 rebounds, and two assists. He’s been the Mavericks’ anchor on both ends, but he’s had to shoulder a heavy load with several key players sidelined.
Rookie Cooper Flagg continues to show promise, adding 16 points, six boards, and six assists in the loss. His versatility and confidence at such a young age are bright spots for a team still trying to find its identity amid a revolving door of injuries.
Injury Report: Depth Being Tested on Both Sides
Denver is dealing with a few injuries of their own. Aaron Gordon is out with a hamstring strain, Christian Braun remains sidelined with an ankle sprain, and Tamar Bates is still recovering from foot surgery. Jonas Valanciunas and Peyton Watson are both listed as probable, which would be a boost to the Nuggets' frontcourt depth if they’re cleared to go.
Dallas, meanwhile, is navigating a much longer list of unavailable or questionable players. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are out following knee and foot surgeries, respectively.
Klay Thompson is doubtful with knee soreness, and P.J. Washington, Dwight Powell, and Brandon Williams are all listed as questionable.
That’s a lot of uncertainty for a team already struggling to find rhythm and cohesion.
Projected Lineups and Depth Charts
Denver Nuggets (as of Dec. 23):
- PG: Jamal Murray
- SG: Cameron Johnson
- SF: Spencer Jones
- PF: Peyton Watson
- C: Nikola Jokic
Behind them, the Nuggets have solid depth with Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Julian Strawther able to slide into multiple roles. Jonas Valanciunas brings veteran size off the bench, while Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II offer youthful energy in the frontcourt.
Dallas Mavericks (as of Dec. 23):
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Naji Marshall
- SF: Cooper Flagg
- PF: Caleb Martin
- C: Anthony Davis
The Mavericks’ depth chart is more fluid due to injuries, but RJ Nembhard, Jaden Hardy, and Brandon Williams will be expected to contribute. Daniel Gafford offers another interior presence behind Davis, while Max Christie and Klay Thompson (if available) provide shooting and wing defense.
What to Watch
For Denver, the key will be maintaining their offensive rhythm. When Jokic is controlling the tempo and Murray is attacking off the dribble, they’re one of the most efficient units in the league. If their role players continue to knock down open looks, the Nuggets could stretch Dallas’ defense thin.
For the Mavericks, it’s about resilience. Can Davis continue to carry the load without wearing down?
And can the supporting cast-especially Flagg and Russell-step up against one of the league’s elite teams? The margin for error is slim, but if Dallas can get a few bodies back and control the pace, they have the talent to make it a game.
Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
This one sets up as a test of depth and durability. Denver’s clicking, but Dallas is desperate-and that can be a dangerous combination.