Executive Insights
- The Jan 25, 2026 game was postponed due to a winter storm; no makeup date has been announced.
- Major Roster Changes: Luka Dončić is now on the Lakers; Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg lead the Mavericks.
- Bucks Rebuild: Milwaukee features Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and Kyle Kuzma, having moved on from Lillard and Middleton.
- Both teams are currently under .500 (Mavs 19-27, Bucks 18-26) and fighting for play-in spots.
- Cooper Flagg is performing well as the #1 overall pick for Dallas.
The highly anticipated January 25, 2026 clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum has been postponed due to severe winter weather. Beyond the schedule change, this matchup highlights two franchises in the midst of massive roster transformations during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Game Status: Postponed Indefinitely
The NBA announced on January 25 that the Mavericks’ trip to Milwaukee would be delayed as a major winter storm grounded flights across the Midwest. The league has not yet confirmed a rescheduled date, but the postponement offers a brief respite for two teams grappling with injuries and inconsistent play.
The New Reality: Roster Overhauls in 2026
This season marks a dramatic pivot for both organizations. The Mavericks are navigating the “Post-Luka” era following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, while the Bucks have retooled around Giannis Antetokounmpo after moving on from Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton.
Dallas Mavericks: The Cooper Flagg & AD Era
The Mavericks (19-27) find themselves in a transition year. After securing the #1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, they selected Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, who has immediately become the face of the franchise’s future. The trade for Anthony Davis brought star power, but injuries have once again been a storyline.
- Key Addition: Cooper Flagg (Rookie sensation, averaging ~18.8 PPG).
- Star Power: Anthony Davis (acquired in Luka trade) and Kyrie Irving remain the veteran pillars, though Davis is currently managing injury concerns.
- Recent Form: The Mavs saw their season-best four-game win streak snapped by their former star, Luka Dončić, just before the scheduled Bucks trip.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis and the New Cast
The Bucks (18-26) have also struggled to find consistency. With Damian Lillard out (waived/injured) and Middleton in Washington, the team has turned to new acquisitions to support Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- Frontcourt Reinforcements: Myles Turner (via trade) and Kyle Kuzma now flank Giannis, providing spacing and versatility.
- The Engine: Giannis continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers (approx. 29.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG), but the team defense has dipped (115.5 Opp PTS/G).
- Current Standing: Milwaukee sits below .500, fighting to stay in the Eastern Conference play-in picture.
Statistical Comparison (2025-26 Season)
With both teams hovering below .500, the margins for error are slim. Here is how they stack up statistically:
| Stat Category | Dallas Mavericks | Milwaukee Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 19-27 | 18-26 |
| Points Per Game | 114.3 | 111.9 |
| Points Allowed | 116.5 | 115.5 |
| FG % | 47.3% | 48.1% |
| Top Scorer | Anthony Davis / Kyrie Irving | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
Key Matchups to Watch (When Rescheduled)
Cooper Flagg vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo
When these teams finally meet, all eyes will be on the rookie sensation Cooper Flagg facing the “Greek Freak.” Flagg’s defensive versatility (averaging nearly 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks) will be tested against Giannis’s relentless rim pressure. This matchup represents a passing of the torch potential between the league’s established dominant force and its newest rising star.
Battle of the Bigs: AD/Lively vs. Turner
If healthy, Anthony Davis alongside Dereck Lively II gives Dallas a formidable interior defense. They will need to contain the new Bucks frontcourt of Myles Turner and Bobby Portis. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor (shooting ~38% from 3) could pull Davis away from the paint, opening driving lanes for Giannis.
Playoff Implications
Neither team can afford to drop games against sub-.500 opponents. Dallas is currently 11th in the West, sitting just outside the play-in tournament slots. Milwaukee is similarly positioned in the East. The rescheduled game will likely have massive tie-breaker implications as both teams scramble to salvage their seasons in the final months.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: Why was the Mavericks vs Bucks game postponed?
The game scheduled for January 25, 2026, was postponed due to a severe winter storm that caused widespread flight cancellations, preventing the Mavericks from traveling to Milwaukee.
Q: Is Luka Doncic still on the Mavericks in 2026?
No. By the 2025-26 season, Luka Dončić has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks received a package including Anthony Davis and Max Christie in return.
Q: Who is the Mavericks’ rookie star in 2026?
The Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg with the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has quickly become a key starter for the team.
Q: Who plays for the Bucks alongside Giannis in 2026?
The Bucks’ 2026 roster features Giannis Antetokounmpo alongside new acquisitions Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma. Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton are no longer with the team.
