Mavericks, Warriors Set Christmas Day Showdown Featuring Cooper Flagg, Stephen Curry

Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a standout from Duke University, is set to make his rookie debut with the Dallas Mavericks. He is expected to start immediately but will not be burdened with leading the team’s offense early on, allowing him time to develop alongside veterans like Anthony Davis. The Mavericks will open their season against the San Antonio Spurs, featuring a rookie showdown between Flagg and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, and will face the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day in a nationally televised marquee matchup. This Christmas game will spotlight a star-studded Warriors team led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jimmy Butler against the Mavericks’ key players, including Flagg and Davis, despite the Mavericks likely missing Kyrie Irving due to injury. Flagg enters the season as the favorite for Rookie of the Year, following a strong NBA Summer League performance, and the Mavericks are considered one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Christmas Day game is part of a high-profile NBA holiday schedule that also features games like Cleveland at New York and San Antonio at Oklahoma City.