The Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings meet for the second time this season.

Will the Mavs level their season series against Sacramento? Or, will the Kings score a rare win at the expense of Cooper Flagg and company?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM, Manila time

Away: Dallas Mavericks (13-23, 3-12 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • RJ Nembhard Jr.
  • Max Christie
  • Cooper Flagg
  • P.J. Washington (Doubtful)
  • Anthony Davis

The Mavericks finally snapped a four-game losing streak on Sunday, as they stunned Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at home with a 110-104 victory. Former Los Angeles Lakers Anthony Davis and Max Christie combined for 50 points and 19 rebounds to lead the way for Dallas, which survived the ugly shooting night of Cooper Flagg. 

The rookie scored just 10 points on 3/12 shooting, but had seven rebounds and six assists to go with two steals and a block in 35 minutes. Flagg knows how to contribute in other areas when his shots aren’t falling. But he could get his offense going again this Wednesday against Sacramento. He had 23 points on 7/13 shooting in the first meeting with the Kings, albeit in a 113-107 road loss on Dec. 28. 

Davis, however, did not see action in that contest, so his presence this time around in the rematch should make a big difference in favor of Dallas.

Home: Sacramento Kings (8-28, 5-12 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Russell Westbrook
  • Zach LaVine
  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Precious Achiuwa
  • Maxime Raynaud

The Kings are still looking for their first win in 2026. Since beating the Mavericks, Sacramento has won five games in a row, including Monday’s 115-98 home loss at the hands of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Over that stretch, the Kings have averaged just 99.4 points while allowing 124.0 to opponents. 

Those numbers don’t scream success, and that subpar play on both ends of the floor pretty much sums up the state of Kings basketball this season. So far, Sacramento is 29th in the league with just 110.3 points per game and 27th with 122.3 points allowed per contest. They are last overall with a minus-12.0 average scoring margin. 

In the first meeting with Dallas, the Kings were still missing the then-injured Zach LaVine but got 21 points each from Russell Westbrook and Keon Ellis. LaVine has already returned to action, and he’ll look to make an impact after scoring 20 points in his first game back from injury versus the Bucks.

Picks

Spread: Sacramento Kings (+5.5)
Over/Under: Over (231.0)