The Dallas Mavericks remain stranded on their team plane in Dallas, more than four hours from their scheduled 7:00 PM ET tipoff against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, prompting strong indications the game will be postponed. NBA insider Marc Stein reported the team has not taken off.
Milwaukee enters at 18-26, while Dallas sits at 19-26, both teams coping with significant injuries that could reshape rotations if the game proceeds. The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain), Kevin Porter Jr. (right oblique strain), Taurean Prince (neck surgery), and Alex Antetokounmpo (G League two-way), while AJ Green is questionable and Gary Trent Jr. is probable.
Dallas is missing several key contributors, including Anthony Davis (left finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dante Exum (right knee surgery), and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery). Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson are doubtful, and Max Christie and Brandon Williams are questionable. G League and two-way players, including Miles Kelly and Ryan Nembhard, could see increased minutes if the matchup occurs.
Dallas has won four straight games, including a 123-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors and a 114-97 win against the New York Knicks, while Milwaukee has lost back-to-back contests to Denver (100-102) and Oklahoma City (102-122). Their previous meeting saw the Bucks edge the Mavericks 116-114 at the American Airlines Center on November 10, 2025.
Statistically, Dallas averages 114.4 points, 44.9 rebounds, and 25.5 assists per game, shooting 47.4% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range, led by Cooper Flagg with 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Milwaukee averages 111.9 points, 40.6 rebounds, and 26.2 assists, shooting 48.1% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc, with Giannis contributing 28 points and 10 rebounds per game. His absence increases the offensive burden on Bobby Portis, Ryan Rollins, and other rotation players.
