1. Game Context

On November 25, 2025, the Miami Heat will host the Dallas Mavericks at Kaseya Center in Miami.
This matchup carries significance for both sides:

• Heat aim to maximize home-court advantage and build momentum in the Eastern Conference.

• Mavericks look for a statement road win as they continue to navigate roster instability and injuries.

2. Head-to-Head History

The Heat and Mavericks have a long, competitive history:

• 77 regular-season meetings

• Heat lead 39–38

• The all-time series, including playoffs, also slightly favors Miami.

• Historically, this is one of the more evenly matched East–West rivalries.

Their meetings have produced memorable moments over the years, making each matchup unpredictable and intriguing.

3. Current Form & Team Situation

Miami Heat

Miami enters the 2025–26 season with significant roster changes but remains built around their franchise cornerstone Bam Adebayo.

Projected rotation pieces include:

• Tyler Herro – now taking on more playmaking duties

• Norman Powell

• Andrew Wiggins

• Kel’el Ware, the promising young center

• Depth players such as Davion Mitchell, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, and Terry Rozier

The Heat’s strength is their depth and defensive versatility. Adebayo anchors the interior, while Herro provides scoring and creation.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas enter the matchup with less stability due to major roster challenges:

• Kyrie Irving suffered an ACL tear, likely keeping him sidelined long-term.

• He recently signed a 3-year, $119 million contract, meaning he remains central to the team’s future, even if unavailable now.

• Dallas historically struggles without Irving — winning only about one-third of their games when he is out.

Beyond Irving, the Mavericks’ success depends largely on the availability of stars such as:

• Anthony Davis

• Klay Thompson

• Dereck Lively II

Injuries and rotation clarity will heavily influence how competitive they can be.

4. Projected Lineups & Key Factors

Projected Starting Lineup – Miami Heat

• PG: Tyler Herro

• SG: Norman Powell

• SF: Andrew Wiggins

• PF: Bam Adebayo

• C: Kel’el Ware

Bench contributors: Davion Mitchell, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, Terry Rozier.

Projected Starting Lineup – Dallas Mavericks

(May vary depending on injuries)

• PG: Backup or committee approach if Irving is out

• SG/SF: Klay Thompson

• PF/C: Anthony Davis or Dereck Lively II paired with a big

Key Matchup Themes

• Heat’s pace & ball movement vs. Dallas’ half-court reliance

• Adebayo’s interior dominance against the Mavericks’ bigs

• Herro’s playmaking vs. Dallas’ guard depth

• Bench depth: Heat significantly deeper and more stable than Dallas at this stage

5. Prediction & Analysis

With home-court advantage and better roster stability, the Heat enter as slight favorites.

Why Miami could win

• Strong defensive identity

• Better continuity

• Adebayo’s two-way presence

• Heat’s deeper bench and more reliable guard play

Why Dallas still has a chance

• If Anthony Davis plays at full strength

• If Klay Thompson gets hot from three

• If their interior defense slows Adebayo and Ware

Most likely scenario

A competitive game, but the Heat’s depth, pace, and cohesion give them the edge.

Projected outcome: