Mavericks vs Heat Preview and Injury Report: Early game on NBA TV

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 21: Cooper Flagg #32 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during the game on October 21, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (1-2) are on the road to start the week, facing off against the Miami Heat (0-3) in a nationally televised game on NBA TV (if you consider that national television). The Mavericks are coming off a loss to the San Antonio Spurs that had a final score that looked way worse than most of the game felt. The Heat lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday and are still seeking their first win of the season. Here are the main things to know:

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat
• WHAT: Back out on the road
• WHERE: American Airlines Arena, Miami
• WHEN: 6:30 pm CST
• HOW: KFAA or NBA TV

In surprising injury news, Cooper Flagg is listed as probable after leaving the Indiana Pacer game with a shoulder injury that was initially expected to cost him several games. Kyrie Irving will also return to the court following a scheduled rest (ACL recovery). Dereck Lively is still out. Santi Aldama will miss this game as well as he recovers from knee surgery. Naji Marshall is a surprise addition to the reporting, missing the game with an illness. Caleb Martin will also miss the game as he’s still dealing with a thumb sprain. The Miami Heat aren’t missing anyone.

This has the makings of a very entertaining game. The Heat look like they have no idea how to play around Giannis and haven’t shown any real signs of improvement. They need a win or this is going to get weird. Dallas, on the other hand, is playing free. They took it to the Spurs for nearly three quarters before the Western Conference champions woke up. Dallas thumped the Pacers the night before. The team looks like they’re having fun. So that’s what I expect from this game as well.

Since you’re here checking out this post, it’s for one of two reasons.

• Injury report news
• Discussion and comment thread

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Consider joining me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube; I will be going live tonight, and I need y’all to join and participate!