Oklahoma City Thunder Remain Undefeated Facing Injured Dallas Mavericks in NBA Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season with a 3-0 record, heavily relying on star players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, although Holmgren's participation in the upcoming game is questionable due to injury. They face the Dallas Mavericks, who hold a 1-2 record but are coming off a high-scoring win against the Toronto Raptors and aim to improve their standing against the reigning champions. Injuries have impacted both teams significantly, with the Thunder missing key role players like Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Nikola Topic, while the Mavericks are without several players, including Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford. Experts predict a Thunder victory, emphasizing their depth and the potential impact of Holmgren if he plays, while Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is noted for his improving performance and could pose a challenge. The game is set at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with attention on foul trouble, particularly concerning Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to draw fouls against the Mavericks' less robust point guard lineup. Fans and bettors alike are closely watching this matchup, with some expecting a closer game than odds suggest, highlighting key players' roles in rebounds and scoring.