Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks: How to Watch, Tip-Off Time & What to Expect in Tonight’s NBA Showdown

The Oklahoma City Thunder roll into American Airlines Center tonight riding a 3-0 start and eyeing a fourth straight win, while the Dallas Mavericks look to steady themselves after an uneven 1-2 opening week. The Western Conference clash tips at 8:30 p.m. ET and has already ignited massive search interest around “Thunder vs Mavericks,” thanks to marquee names Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić going head-to-head. Thunder in rhythm • Record: 3-0 (2nd West) • Offensive rating: 123.5 (3rd NBA) • Key player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 31.7 ppg, 6.3 apg Coach Mark Daigneault’s squad has looked like the 68-win juggernaut it was last season, pushing pace with Josh Giddey and spreading the floor for Chet Holmgren’s pick-and-pop range. Holmgren (lower-back tightness) is listed as questionable, but OKC’s depth has covered absences all month — rookie guard Nikola Tópić (groin), Alex Caruso (concussion) and Jalen Williams (wrist) remain out, yet Isaiah Joe and rookie small-ball five Dillon Jones have combined to shoot 44.8 % from three off the bench. Mavericks seeking traction • Record: 1-2 (13th West) • Offensive rating: 112.1 (17th NBA) • Key player: Luka Dončić — 34.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 8.7 apg Jason Kidd’s Mavericks smashed Toronto 139-129 on Sunday behind Cooper Flagg’s career-high 22 points, but consistency has been elusive. Dallas was 23-29 in conference play last year and allowed 115.4 ppg — a trend that can’t continue against the Thunder’s third-ranked attack. Kyrie Irving (knee) remains out, and Daniel Gafford’s sprained ankle leaves Dallas thin at center, forcing rookie Travis Perry and small-ball looks with P.J. Washington at the five. Betting line and over/under Sportsbooks opened Oklahoma City as 7.5-point road favorites with a 226.5 total. The Thunder have covered six of their last seven against Dallas, and four of the previous five meetings have hit the over. If Holmgren plays, OKC’s interior defense improves; if he sits, expect Dončić to hunt mismatches in the lane, potentially pushing the total higher. Match-up keys to watch 1. Pace war — OKC averages 104.3 possessions per game (4th fastest); Dallas prefers to slow things down to 98.8. Whoever controls tempo likely controls the scoreboard. 2. Three-point math — The Thunder fire 38.6 threes nightly at 40 %, while Dallas is bottom-five in opponent 3P%. Look for Lu Dort corner triples if the Mavs overload on SGA drives. 3. Bench punch — Cooper Flagg vs. Isaiah Joe. Flagg’s sudden scoring binge gave Dallas life Sunday, but Joe’s microwave shooting can swing a quarter in seconds. How to watch and stream National: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southwest (DAL), Bally Sports Oklahoma (OKC). Streaming options include YouTube TV, fuboTV and Sling Orange. Cord-cutters can also catch the radio call on 98.1 FM (Thunder Radio Network) or 97.1 The Eagle (Dallas). Prediction The Thunder’s blend of ball pressure and shot-creation has overwhelmed early opponents, and Dallas’ injury-thinned backcourt puts extreme weight on Dončić. Unless Flagg replicates Sunday’s outburst and Dallas finds answers at center, Oklahoma City should extend its streak. Score pick: Thunder 118, Mavericks 109. SEO recap: Thunder vs Mavericks live stream, start time, injury report, betting odds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Luka Dončić, how to watch tonight’s NBA game.