The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2025-26 campaign with a new-look lineup after missing the postseason in 2024-25.
Their Opening Night starting five is expected to look much different from last year. After trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of last season’s deadline, Anthony Davis is set to headline the team’s retooled roster.
Beyond Klay Thompson, there aren’t any spots that are expected to remain the same from last year’s regular-season opener. Kyrie Irving is still recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in early March, and the Mavericks may also consider inserting No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg into the starting five right away.
MORE: Mavericks coach Jason Kidd gets real about Kyrie Irving's return timeline
Jason Kidd gets honest about Opening Night starters
With training camp beginning Tuesday, the Mavericks will start to get a clearer picture of what their potential starting five may look like. Head coach Jason Kidd, however, was hesitant to make any guarantees at Monday's media day, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic.
“There is not a [set] starting lineup,” Kidd said. “This is going to be competition. We are going to embrace the competition. That will figure itself out come Oct. 22.”
Davis and Thompson are both expected to start against the San Antonio Spurs on Opening Night. D’Angelo Russell, who signed a two-year, $11.7 million deal with Dallas this summer, is likely to fill in for Irving until he returns.
Dereck Lively could supplant last year’s Opening Night starter, Daniel Gafford, at center, while P.J. Washington and Flagg are likely to compete for the final forward spot. Although Flagg represents the future of the franchise, Kidd may be hesitant to start him immediately.
Regardless, the Mavericks have a deep, talented rotation, which bodes well for Dallas’ chances of making a deep playoff run after a disappointing 2024-25 season.
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