Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.26.26

Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.26.26

As the NBA season enters its final stages, the Sacramento Kings (13-47) head to the American Airlines Center to face the Dallas Mavericks (21-36) on February 26, 2026. This 8:30 PM tip-off presents a unique challenge for both coaching staffs, as both rosters have been decimated by significant injuries to their core stars. With playoff implications fading, this matchup will be decided by veteran leadership and which bench can capitalize on increased minutes.

Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks Matchup Preview

Sacramento Kings Key Stats & Trends

The Kings are currently a team without its primary engine. The loss of their All-Star center has forced a shift toward a perimeter-heavy attack led by DeMar DeRozan, who maintains a steady 18.6 PPG. Playmaking duties have fallen squarely on Russell Westbrook, who is averaging 6.4 APG, while rookie Maxime Raynaud has been thrust into a starting role, leading the team with 7.0 RPG. Sacramento’s efficiency has plummeted recently, struggling to find consistent scoring options outside of DeRozan’s mid-range game.

Injury Report Sacramento Kings

• Keegan Murray (Day-to-day): Murray (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday’s game against the Rockets.
• De’Andre Hunter (Out): Hunter is set to undergo season-ending eye surgery.
• Dylan Cardwell (Out): Cardwell sprained his left ankle and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
• Domantas Sabonis (Out): Sabonis underwent season-ending knee surgery to repair a torn left meniscus.
• Zach LaVine (Out): LaVine will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hand.

Dallas Mavericks Key Stats & Trends

Dallas is similarly shorthanded, missing the explosive scoring of Kyrie Irving. In his absence, Naji Marshall has emerged as a focal point, averaging 15.2 PPG and 4.9 RPG. The Mavericks are leaning on young guard Ryan Nembhard to facilitate the offense (4.9 APG). While their depth is tested, the Mavericks have shown more resilience at home, utilizing Daniel Gafford’s interior presence (6.4 RPG) to stabilize their defensive rotations when he is healthy enough to suit up.

Injury Report Dallas Mavericks

• P.J. Washington (Out): Washington (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game.
• Cooper Flagg (Out): Flagg (foot) is out for the matchup against the Kings.
• Khris Middleton (Day-to-day): Middleton (shoulder) is listed as questionable.
• Daniel Gafford (Day-to-day): Gafford (ankle) is listed as doubtful.
• Kyrie Irving (Out): Irving (knee) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
• Dereck Lively II (Out): Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot.

Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction & Best Bet

Given the sheer volume of absences, this game will likely be a disorganized, high-possession affair. We predict the Dallas Mavericks will secure the victory, primarily due to Sacramento’s total lack of interior defense without Sabonis. Furthermore, we recommend taking the over on the 232.5 total points line. With both teams missing their elite rim protectors (Sabonis and Lively), the paint will be wide open for high-percentage finishes, likely pushing this score past the projected total despite the missing star power.