Oklahoma City returns from its short road trip to host Dallas in Paycom Center at 8:30 p.m. Central. It enters this contest with a 21-1 record and 13-game winning streak. Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein are once again sidelined, so look for the Thunder to mainly feature a nine-man rotation tonight. 

Check out three key matchups for this game against the Mavericks. 

Cason Wallace vs. Ryan Nembhard 

Thunder fans cannot be happy about seeing another Nembhard. He somehow went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft and signed a two-way contract with Dallas. 

Over the past four games since entering the starting lineup, the rookie is averaging 17 points and 7.5 assists per game. He’s red-hot from deep and more impressively avoiding turnovers despite carrying a considerable playmaking load. 

Dallas has won three of four games during this stretch, including an impressive victory against Denver where Nembhard recorded 28 points, 10 assists and zero turnovers. With his emergence and Anthony Davis’ return, this team is no longer a pushover. 

Cason Wallace’s defense against Nembhard will be a key battle in this matchup. Wallace recently won Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month due to his brilliant perimeter defense. He ranks second across the NBA in steals per game and third in deflections per game. 

If Wallace shuts down Nembhard’s impact, then the Mavericks’ half-court offense will likely struggle to generate quality looks. 

Jalen Williams vs. Cooper Flagg 

Cooper Flagg has scored 27 points per game on 59.3% shooting from the field across his past three games. The 2025 first overall pick is absolutely living inside the paint. Defenses are especially struggling to handle Flagg when he shares the court with Davis. 

Meanwhile, Jalen Williams knocked off the rust against Golden State by scoring 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting and dishing six assists. His defense has also been superb. 

Whether Flagg or Williams is more impactful will be a huge factor in determining whether Dallas pulls off the upset. The Thunder can afford to lose this individual matchup, but it’s a must win for the Mavericks. 

Kenrich Williams Minutes 

The Mavericks are a big, physical team. With Hartenstein out, Oklahoma City needs Kenrich Williams to step up and do the dirty work: fight for contested rebounds, box out, dish out punishment, etc. 

If Kenrich Williams makes his presence felt, then Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren can focus on other key areas without being bruised and battered.