Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks (12-18-2025) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more

The Detroit Pistons will play their next game at American Airlines Centre tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. The New York Knicks won the NBA Cup and are now favored to win the East this season, so even though Cade Cunningham and the Pistons are still the top seed in the Eastern Conference, there may be some skepticism.

Before travelling to play the Dallas Mavericks, the Pistons are 21-5 in the 2025–26 season and have won four straight games. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 10-17. They want to recover from Monday's 140-133 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz. In the defeat, Cooper Flagg scored a career-high 42 points to lead the squad.

Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks - When and where to watch the game

At 8:30 p.m. ET, the game is scheduled to begin. Fans may watch the game on FanDuel Sports Detroit, and Fubo and DirecTV Stream offer streaming alternatives.

For new users, both streaming services provide free trials and first-month discounts.

Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks - Expected Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons

PG Cade CunninghamSG Duncan RobinsonSF Ausar ThompsonPF Tobias HarrisC Jalen Duren

Dallas Mavericks

PG Ryan NembhardSG Cooper FlaggSF P.J. WashingtonPF Naji MarshallC Daniel Gafford

Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks - Injury Report

Detroit Pistons

Dallas Mavericks

Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks - Game Prediction

On Thursday, the Detroit Pistons will travel to Dallas for the second and last game of their regular-season road trip against the Mavericks. The previous time these two teams met was in Mexico City, when the Pistons won 122-110 thanks to a career-high 33 points from Jalen Duren.

With 31 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, D'Angelo Russell led the Mavericks in scoring during that endeavour.The 10-17 Mavs want to surprise the 21-5 Pistons. It will undoubtedly be challenging to defeat the top club in the Eastern Conference, but at least the Mavericks will have home court advantage. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham's excellent play helped the Pistons defeat the Boston Celtics 112-105. The Pistons dominated and eventually had offence to show for it after a rough start filled with erratic play. Now, the two giants are ready to face each other.

Also read: NBA injury update: Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum ruled out for entire season after knee surgery