The Minnesota Timberwolves welcome the Dallas Mavericks to Target Center in Minneapolis on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET — a game that could define how far each team has come since last season’s playoff runs. The Timberwolves, fresh off a 112-123 collapse against the Denver Nuggets despite holding a five-point halftime lead, enter the matchup at 8-5. The Mavericks? They’re reeling. At 4-10, they’ve lost five of their last six, including a brutal 127-133 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, where James Hraden dropped 41 points — including four in the second overtime period. This isn’t just another November game. It’s a clash of trajectories: one team chasing relevance, the other clinging to hope.
Why This Matchup Matters More Than the Record Suggests
On paper, the Timberwolves are a top-six Western Conference team — and NBC’s broadcast schedule confirms they were 2025 Western Conference finalists. That’s not a fluke. They’ve got depth, defense, and a core that’s been tested in high-pressure games. But their last loss? It was ugly. They led by five at the break and still lost by 11. That’s a red flag. Are they overconfident? Or just tired? The schedule doesn’t lie: after this game, they play the Wizards, Suns, and Kings in a grueling four-day stretch. This isn’t just about beating Dallas. It’s about proving they can bounce back when things go sideways.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are in full rebuild mode. The departure of former GM Nico Harrison has left the organization in a strange limbo. They’re not bad — they’re rebuilding. And the centerpiece of that rebuild? Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick from Duke. The 19-year-old hasn’t yet cracked the starting lineup, but his presence on the court has shifted the team’s energy. He’s not putting up All-Star numbers yet — but he’s making plays. The problem? The Mavericks still lack consistent scoring beyond their bench. And they’re missing leadership. They’ve lost three games by double digits in the last week alone.
The Broadcast and Ticket Details
If you’re planning to watch, you’ve got options. The game will air live on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest - Nebraska, with streaming available through NBA League Pass and Fubo. For those who prefer live attendance, tickets at Target Center start at $52 — a modest price for a game that could set the tone for both franchises’ seasons.
And this isn’t the last time these two teams will meet. The return game is set for March 30, 2026 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with tickets already listed at $47.51. That’s a sign: the Mavericks are banking on a turnaround. And if Flagg starts clicking, that March game might be the real turning point.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
After this game, the Timberwolves face a brutal stretch: home against the Wizards on November 19, then road trips to Phoenix and Sacramento. Their schedule doesn’t ease up until mid-December. They’ll need to win at least three of these four to stay in the top four. Meanwhile, the Mavericks play the Orlando Magic on November 19, then host the Charlotte Hornets on November 21. They’re not yet a playoff team — but they’re building toward something. Flagg’s development will be the barometer. If he averages 15+ points and 7+ rebounds by January, expect Dallas to be buyers at the trade deadline.
And don’t forget the bigger picture. The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. The 2026 NBA All-Star GameIntuit Dome in Inglewood will be the centerpiece, but the real drama is unfolding now — in arenas like Target Center, where a young star might just announce his arrival.
The Bigger Story: Rebuilding vs. Repeating
There’s a quiet tension here. The Timberwolves aren’t just trying to win. They’re trying to prove they belong among the elite — after nearly making the Finals last year. The Mavericks? They’re trying to prove they can survive without their old front office. Harrison’s departure wasn’t just a personnel change. It was a philosophical shift. They’re no longer chasing stars. They’re building from the ground up. Flagg is their foundation. And Monday night? It’s his first real test against a team that knows how to win.
Let’s be clear: the Timberwolves should win. They’re better. They’re deeper. They’ve been there. But basketball doesn’t care about records. It cares about execution. And Dallas? They’ve got nothing to lose. That’s dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Timberwolves’ 8-5 record compare to their 2025 playoff run?
The Timberwolves finished the 2024-25 season as Western Conference finalists, going 51-31 in the regular season and pushing the eventual champions to seven games. Their current 8-5 start is actually slightly better than their 7-6 pace at this point last year, suggesting they’re on track to replicate — or even exceed — last season’s success, assuming they stay healthy.
Why is Cooper Flagg’s presence important for the Mavericks?
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick from Duke, brings elite two-way potential: elite perimeter defense, high basketball IQ, and a knack for making smart passes. Though he’s averaging just 9.3 points so far, his impact is visible in defensive rotations and transition offense. He’s the first true franchise cornerstone Dallas has drafted since Luka Dončić — and his development will determine whether they’re a playoff team by 2027.
What’s the significance of the March 30, 2026 rematch in Dallas?
That game could be a turning point. If the Mavericks are still struggling by March, they may be sellers at the trade deadline. But if Flagg has improved and Dallas has climbed into the playoff hunt, this game becomes a statement — and a potential playoff preview. With tickets already priced under $50, it’s a must-watch for fans of both rebuilding and contending teams.
Is James Hraden’s 41-point game a sign the Mavericks are in trouble?
Actually, it’s the opposite. Hraden’s explosion came in a loss — and he’s not even a regular starter. His performance highlights a deeper issue: Dallas has no consistent scoring options beyond him and a few bench players. If their starters can’t produce, even 40-point nights won’t save them. The problem isn’t talent — it’s structure.
How does this game affect NBA playoff seeding?
While both teams are still early in the season, every win matters for tiebreakers. The Timberwolves currently hold the head-to-head advantage. A win here keeps them in the top 4, where home-court advantage begins. A loss by Dallas? It pushes them further from the play-in tournament, making their March turnaround even harder.
Where can fans watch the game if they don’t have FanDuel or NBA League Pass?
Local broadcast rights vary, but the game won’t be on national TV. Fans without subscriptions can try free trials of Fubo or NBA League Pass. Alternatively, some bars in Minneapolis and Dallas may host viewing parties. The NBA also occasionally offers limited free streams on its app for select matchups — check their official site 24 hours before tip-off.
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