Mavericks, Timberwolves Set for First Season Meeting

Dallas visits Minnesota in the teams’ first meeting of the 2026–27 season, with both on winning streaks: the Mavericks have won three straight, while the 8–3 Timberwolves have won four in a row. Dallas has surged offensively, led by rookie Cooper Flagg, but is short-handed in the frontcourt, with Dereck Lively II and two other forwards listed out and Morez Johnson Jr. questionable. Minnesota has paired a top-ranked defense with a top-seven offense and ranks third in point differential early in the season. The Timberwolves have also rebounded better than expected, with contributions across the roster helping sustain their strong start.