Executive Insights
- Rivalry Shift: The Bucks have won 7 straight games against Dallas, dominating the post-Luka era.
- Cooper Flagg’s Rise: The rookie sensation scored 26 points in his first matchup against Milwaukee, signaling a new era for the Mavs.
- Trade Shockwaves: The Feb 2025 Luka-for-AD trade continues to define Dallas’s identity, with AD currently injured and rumors swirling.
- Standings Struggles: Both teams are currently outside the playoff picture (11th/12th seeds) as of Feb 1 , 2026.
- Next Meeting: The teams will next face off on March 31, 2026, following the Jan 25 postponement.
The New Reality: A Rivalry Transformed
The Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in remarkably similar, desperate positions as they approach the 2026 trade deadline. What was once a battle between international superstars Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo has morphed into a complex gridlock of injuries, trade rumors, and rebuilding identities.
With the January 25, 2026 game postponed due to the Dallas winter storm (rescheduled for March 31), the narrative has shifted off the court. Both teams sit outside the play-in picture—Dallas at 19-29 and Milwaukee at 18-28—marking a stunning fall from grace for two franchises with recent championship aspirations.
Recent Matchup Analysis: November 10, 2025
The most recent encounter provides the best tactical blueprint for this matchup, despite the roster turnover.
| Stat Category | Milwaukee Bucks (Winner) | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 116 | 114 |
| Key Performer | Giannis Antetokounmpo 30 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast | Cooper Flagg (Rookie) 26 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast |
| Deciding Factor | Paint Dominance & Clutch Execution | Late-game perimeter misses (0/6 from 3 in 4th) |
Tactical Takeaway: The Bucks utilized their size advantage to bully Dallas in the paint, a recurring theme since the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers in February 2025. While the return package brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, his persistent injuries (currently out with a hand injury) have left the Mavericks vulnerable inside.
Cooper Flagg: The New Face of Dallas
The silver lining of the controversial Luka trade has been the arrival of Cooper Flagg, the #1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft. Flagg has been a revelation, averaging nearly 20 PPG and 6.5 RPG.
- Role Shift: Unlike the Luka-centric “heli-ball” of the past, Flagg operates as a versatile movement shooter and secondary creator alongside Kyrie Irving.
- Defensive Versatility: Flagg’s length offers Dallas a defensive ceiling they rarely hit in the Dončić era, though rookie mistakes still plague the team’s crunch-time execution.
- The “Spacing” Issue: Without Dončić’s gravity, Dallas has struggled to generate consistent open looks, evidenced by their 4th-quarter collapses against disciplined defenses like Milwaukee’s.
Trade Deadline Implications (Feb 2026)
With the deadline days away, both teams are at the center of the NBA rumor mill.
Dallas Mavericks
- Anthony Davis: Rumors persist that agent Rich Paul is pushing for a trade, though insiders dispute a formal demand. With AD sidelined until after the All-Star break, his value is complicated.
- Sellers Mode? Veterans like Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford are prime candidates to be moved as Dallas looks to retool around Flagg’s timeline.
Milwaukee Bucks
- The Giannis Question: Reports suggest the Bucks are finally “listening” to offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the Warriors and Thunder listed as potential suitors. His current calf strain adds a layer of risk for any buyer.
- Rebuild vs. Retool: Stuck in the 12th seed, Milwaukee faces a pivotal decision: double down on the aging Lillard-Giannis core or hit the detonate button.
Mavericks vs Bucks: Historical Head-to-Head
The rivalry has swung heavily in Milwaukee’s favor recently:
- Current Streak: Bucks have won 7 straight regular-season meetings.
- Giannis vs. Dallas: The “Greek Freak” holds a career 9-3 record against Dallas, consistently exploiting their lack of elite rim protection—a gap Anthony Davis was supposed to fill but hasn’t due to health.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: Who won the last game between the Mavericks and Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 116-114 on November 10, 2025. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points.
Q: Why was the Mavericks vs Bucks game on Jan 25, 2026, postponed?
The game was postponed due to a severe winter storm in Dallas that prevented the team from traveling. It has been rescheduled for March 31, 2026.
Q: Is Luka Dončić still on the Dallas Mavericks?
No. Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1, 2025, in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft picks.
Q: How is Cooper Flagg playing for the Mavericks?
Cooper Flagg, the #1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, is averaging approximately 19.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, establishing himself as the team’s new cornerstone.
Q: What is Anthony Davis’s injury status?
As of late January 2026, Anthony Davis is out with a hand injury (ligament damage) and is expected to return after the All-Star break.
