76ers Aim to Complete Season Sweep Against Mavericks in Thrilling NBA Clash
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to maintain their momentum after an exhilarating overtime victory as they face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night at American Airlines Center. Coming off a dramatic win that snapped a three-game losing streak, the Sixers (17-14) aim to complete a season sweep against the struggling Mavericks (12-22) in what promises to be an entertaining contest for basketball fans.
Tuesday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies showcased the 76ers’ resilience and star power, with rookie VJ Edgecombe emerging as the hero by sinking the game-winning three-pointer with just 1.7 seconds remaining in overtime. The 139-136 victory was fueled by dominant performances from Philadelphia’s dynamic duo—Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey—who each poured in 34 points. Embiid nearly recorded a triple-double, adding 10 rebounds and eight assists to his impressive stat line, while Maxey distributed 12 assists alongside his scoring outburst. Paul George contributed 17 points, and Edgecombe’s defensive presence was felt with four steals, highlighting the team’s balanced attack that they’ll look to replicate against Dallas.
The Mavericks enter Thursday’s matchup nursing wounds from a heartbreaking 125-122 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. In a game that came down to the final minute, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg made a crucial error by stepping out of bounds while securing a rebound with 57.5 seconds remaining, opening the door for Portland to seal the victory with four consecutive free throws. Despite the loss, Dallas saw encouraging performances from Max Christie, who led the team with 25 points, and Brandon Williams, who provided a significant spark off the bench with 22 points. Daniel Gafford stepped up admirably in place of the injured Anthony Davis (sidelined with a groin issue), posting a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds while adding three blocks. Flagg showed his all-around potential with 15 points, eight assists, and three steals in the losing effort.
The teams’ previous meeting on December 20th ended with Philadelphia claiming a 121-114 victory on their home court, and Thursday’s rematch will test whether the Mavericks can make the necessary adjustments to even the season series. The 76ers have been propelled by Maxey’s breakout season, with the guard averaging an impressive 30.8 points and 7.1 assists per game. Embiid continues to be a force despite playing fewer games, contributing 22.6 points per contest, while Andre Drummond has been a rebounding machine with 9.3 boards each night. Dallas, potentially still without Anthony Davis, will rely heavily on Cooper Flagg’s team-leading 19.4 points per game, with P.J. Washington providing support through his 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds, and Ryan Nembhard orchestrating the offense with 5.3 assists per game.
Thursday’s contest presents an intriguing clash of styles and narratives. Philadelphia aims to build consistency after their thrilling victory, while Dallas desperately seeks to snap out of their funk and defend home court. The individual matchups add another layer of intrigue—Embiid’s dominance in the paint could be the decisive factor, especially if Davis remains sidelined for the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the battle between young stars Maxey and Flagg represents a glimpse into the NBA’s bright future, with both players showcasing their abilities as cornerstone pieces for their respective franchises.
Basketball fans won’t want to miss this compelling NBA matchup tipping off at 8:30 PM ET on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The game will be broadcast on NBA TV and KFAA for the Dallas market, with streaming options available through Fubo’s free trial service. With the season series and momentum at stake, expect both teams to bring playoff-like intensity in what could become one of January’s most memorable contests.
