Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.22.26

Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.22.26

As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the Dallas Mavericks (19-36) travel to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers (15-42) this February 22nd at 5:00 PM. Taking place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, this matchup is a battle of attrition between two squads significantly hampered by the injury bug. Both teams are looking to salvage momentum in what has been a challenging campaign for their respective rotations.

Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers Matchup Preview

Dallas Mavericks Key Stats & Trends

The Mavericks are navigating a difficult period following the season-ending injury to Kyrie Irving. In his absence, Naji Marshall has stepped up as the primary offensive engine, leading the team with 15.1 PPG. Playmaking duties have shifted to Ryan Nembhard, who is averaging 4.9 APG, while P.J. Washington remains a vital presence in the paint with 7.1 RPG. Dallas continues to rely on a “next man up” philosophy, emphasizing perimeter defense to compensate for their lack of interior depth.

• Points: Naji Marshall (15.1)
• Rebounds: P.J. Washington (7.1)
• Assists: Ryan Nembhard (4.9)
• Rating: Naji Marshall (15.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG)

Injury Report Dallas Mavericks

• Caleb Martin (Day-to-day): Martin (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.
• Daniel Gafford (Day-to-day): Gafford is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pacers due to right ankle injury management.
• Max Christie (Day-to-day): Christie (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.
• Cooper Flagg (Out): Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.
• Kyrie Irving (Out): Irving (knee) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
• Dereck Lively II (Out): Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot Sunday.

Indiana Pacers Key Stats & Trends

The Pacers are currently facing one of the most extensive injury lists in the league. With Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam sidelined, Andrew Nembhard has shouldered a massive workload, leading Indiana with 17.1 PPG and 7.4 APG. Jarace Walker (4.8 RPG) has seen increased minutes in the frontcourt. Indiana’s success hinges on their ability to maintain a high pace, though their defensive efficiency has plummeted without their primary rim protectors.

• Points: Andrew Nembhard (17.1)
• Rebounds: Jarace Walker (4.8)
• Assists: Andrew Nembhard (7.4)
• Rating: Andrew Nembhard (17.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG)

Injury Report Indiana Pacers

• Aaron Nesmith (Out): Nesmith (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.
• Andrew Nembhard (Day-to-day): Nembhard (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.
• Micah Potter (Day-to-day): Potter (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.
• T.J. McConnell (Day-to-day): McConnell (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.
• Pascal Siakam (Out): Siakam (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.
• Kam Jones (Day-to-day): Jones is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks due to lower-back soreness.
• Obi Toppin (Out): Head coach Rick Carlisle said that Toppin (foot) was a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice and that it’s going to be “a while” until he returns to game action.
• Ivica Zubac (Out): Head coach Rick Carlisle said that Zubac (ankle) was a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice and that it’s going to be “a while” until he returns to game action.
• Johnny Furphy (Out): Furphy was diagnosed with a torn right ACL on Monday and will miss the remainder of the season.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Out): Haliburton has resumed taking part in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 work while recovering from right Achilles surgery.

Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Best Bet

Given the decimated state of the Indiana roster, the Dallas Mavericks -1.5 (Spread) are the preferred choice. While Dallas is missing star power, their remaining core of Marshall and Washington offers more stability than an Indiana side missing nearly its entire starting lineup. We also anticipate a high-scoring affair despite the absences; both teams lack the defensive personnel to protect the paint, making the over on the 232.5 total points line the smartest play.