How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons: Cooper Flagg’s Growth on Display in Mexico City (Nov. 1, 2025)
The Dallas Mavericks open their first road trip of the season in an international setting, taking on the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night at Arena CDMX.
The game marks the franchise’s fourth regular-season appearance in Mexico City — more than any other NBA team — and the first since defeating the Pistons 122–111 in 2019. For rookie Cooper Flagg, it’s another milestone in his early development and a chance to keep learning under the bright lights.
“We have a baseline now, something to work from and grow from,” Flagg said before the trip. “Obviously, we need to get better in a lot of different areas. But we know the steps we need to take moving forward.”
After finishing their five-game homestand at 2–3, Dallas continues to deal with injuries that have forced Flagg to assume extended playmaking duties. The 18-year-old has handled the responsibility with poise, balancing the highs of posterizing dunks and three-pointers with the occasional reminder that he’s still adjusting to NBA speed.
“It’s about having fun and that’s something I’m trying to keep with me through everything,” Flagg said. “Klay [Thompson], especially, has talked about that a lot — just playing with joy and enjoying the game. At the end of the day, it’s supposed to be fun.”
How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 9:00 p.m. CST
Location: Arena CDMX — Mexico City
TV: Peacock, Telemundo 39 (Spanish)
Watch Party: Happiest Hour — Dallas (8 p.m.)
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report vs. Detroit Pistons
- Daniel Gafford: Questionable (Right Ankle Sprain)
- Anthony Davis: Out (Left Calf Strain)
- Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Knee Sprain)
- Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery)
- Danté Exum: Out (Right Knee Injury)
Detroit Pistons Injury Report vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Jaden Ivey: Out (Knee Surgery)
Frontcourt Health Still a Concern
The Mavericks will once again be without their full front line. Davis was ruled out for the entire trip after an MRI revealed a low-grade left calf strain, while Dereck Lively II remains sidelined with a knee sprain. Daniel Gafford, who sprained his ankle on the first day of training camp, is listed as questionable but could make his season debut.
Dallas has relied heavily on P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell in the middle. Powell is coming off one of his best games in recent seasons — 18 points, six rebounds, and a career-best 10-of-12 from the free-throw line against Indiana.
“He’s a true pro, always being ready,” Kidd said. “I don’t know when the last time he got to the line 12 times, but I thought he took full advantage of his 29 minutes.”
Shooting Woes and Search for Consistency
Through five games, Dallas has struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 31.9% from three-point range — last in the league at the time. Kidd emphasized the need for his team to capitalize on open looks.
“We had great looks in the paint, at the free-throw line, and behind the three-point line,” Kidd said. “We just didn’t make them. When you create shots, you got to make some of them.”
Detroit’s Balanced Attack
The Pistons enter the matchup 3–2 after a 131–115 win over Orlando. Cade Cunningham led the way with 31 points, while Jalen Duren added 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Tobias Harris scored 23.
Detroit’s offense has shown early-season balance and interior strength — a potential challenge for a Mavericks team still missing key bigs.
What to Watch
The Mavericks are hoping a change of scenery sparks their shooting and energy. Flagg’s continued growth, Gafford’s possible return, and Powell’s steady production all factor into how Dallas matches up with Detroit’s physical front line.
Kidd, who called Mexico City “an incredible place for the NBA to grow the game,” said the Mavericks are honored to be part of the league’s international schedule.
“It shows how important Mexico is,” Kidd said. “It’s great to bring enjoyment to the fans.”
Dallas will return home after Monday’s game in Houston to begin a new homestand at American Airlines Center.
Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors
- NBA News: ‘Of Course, Yeah’: Daniel Gafford Expects To Play As Dallas Mavericks Face Detroit Pistons In Mexico City
- NBA News: ‘Day To Day’: MRI Reveals Calf Strain As Anthony Davis Ruled Out For Dallas Mavericks’ Two-Game Trip
- NBA News: ‘Didn’t Want To Take Any Chances’: Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Exits Win Over Indiana Pacers With Lower Leg Soreness
- NBA News: ‘We Found Something Tonight’: Dallas Mavericks Edge Indiana Pacers As Brandon Williams, Dwight Powell Lead Short-Handed Win
- NBA News: ‘Just A Little Sore’: Cooper Flagg Details Shoulder Injury After Dallas Mavericks’ Loss Against Oklahoma City Thunder
- NBA News: ‘We Just Needed To Execute’: Dallas Mavericks Battle Back From 22 Down Before Falling Late To Oklahoma City Thunder
- NBA News: ‘He’s Got The Right Mindset’: Anthony Davis Reflects On Mentoring Cooper Flagg’s Early NBA Growth
