How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers: Max Christie’s Green Light, Cooper Flagg’s Shoulder, And Injury Updates (Oct. 29, 2025)

Grant AfsethOctober 29, 2025October 29, 2025no comment

Nick White/DallasHoopsJournal.com

The Dallas Mavericks wrap up their five-game homestand on Wednesday night looking to get back on track when they face the winless Indiana Pacers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center in Dallas, airing locally on KFAA-29 and streaming on MavsTV.

Dallas (1–3) is still searching for consistency under a new offensive system, but recent performances from Max Christie have been a bright spot. The 21-year-old guard has hit at least three 3-pointers in four straight games, shooting 56.5% from deep to start the year.

Coaches have encouraged him to take on a larger scoring role after he poured in 14 points in Monday’s 101–94 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

“Confidence-wise, it feels great,” Christie said. “Knowing they want me to shoot more helps the team win. Even if I miss, I just keep going. That’s what Coach Kidd wants — for us to stay aggressive and trust the system.”

Head coach Jason Kidd echoed that sentiment postgame, noting that Christie has “been at a high level early in the season” and praised his two-way effort against OKC’s All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

How to Watch Indiana Pacers vs. Dallas Mavericks

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)
Tickets: Mavs.com

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report vs. Indiana Pacers

Anthony Davis: Probable (Bilateral Achilles Tendinopathy)
Brandon Williams: Questionable (Personal Reasons)
Dereck Lively II: Doubtful (Right Knee Sprain)
Daniel Gafford: Doubtful (Right Ankle Sprain)
Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery)
Dante Exum: Out (Right Knee Injury)

Brandon Williams, who has averaged 1.5 assists and 1.0 steal in two games, went through shootaround on Wednesday as he works toward a return. In his absence, Jaden Hardy has been utilized more, scoring 11 points with one rebound, one assist, and two steals in 21 minutes against the Thunder.

Indiana Pacers Injury Report vs. Dallas Mavericks

Taelon Peter: Doubtful (Right Groin Strain)
Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Torn Right Achilles Tendon)
Bennedict Mathurin: Out (Right Great Toe Sprain)
Andrew Nembhard: Out (Left Shoulder Strain)
T.J. McConnell: Out (Left Hamstring Strain)
Obi Toppin: Out (Right Foot Stress)
Kam Jones: Out (Lower Back Stress Reaction)
Johnny Furphy: Out (Left Foot Bone Bruise)

Dallas Mavericks Searching for Rhythm Under New System

The Mavericks have shown flashes of promise but continue to face growing pains as they adjust to Kidd’s restructured offensive system. Dallas has focused on improving spacing, ball movement, and pace after ranking among the bottom third in assists last season.

“We’re learning a new system and there’s going to be growing pains,” Christie said. “If you watch the tape, it feels like we’re playing with a lot of stress. We need to find ways to relieve that a little bit, give ourselves easier looks, and that’ll lead to success.”

Despite a 1–3 start, the Mavericks have kept opponents under 110 points in three of four games. Their defensive communication and rotation discipline continue to be emphasized as the team works toward balance on both ends.

Cooper Flagg’s Shoulder and Learning Curve

Cooper Flagg experienced his toughest outing of the young season on Monday, finishing with two points on 1-of-9 shooting while battling through a left shoulder injury.

“It was one of the first plays of the game,” Flagg said. “I think I got grabbed or hung up with someone’s arm and felt something in my shoulder — just a little pain. You’ve got to find ways to play through it and still help the team.”

Flagg’s teammate Max Christie defended him, pointing to the physicality of OKC’s defense and the matchup against Luguentz Dort.

“He’s 18, playing against the defending champs,” Christie said. “We’ve got to set better screens and get him open. That’s on all of us as teammates.”

The rookie has averaged 13.0 points and 5.3 rebounds this season while displaying two-way versatility. Kidd praised his composure and toughness, noting that “he played through it” and remains on track to play Wednesday.

Anthony Davis’ Leadership and Impact

With multiple big men sidelined, Anthony Davis continues to anchor Dallas’ frontcourt. He’s averaging 25.0 points and 11.8 rebounds through four games, logging double-doubles in every outing. Davis said he’s encouraged by the team’s fight but stressed the need for consistency.

“We’re going to keep fighting until the end,” Davis said. “Even after giving up 39 in the third, we held them to 14 in the fourth. We can’t have those defensive lapses, but I liked our resiliency.”

Kidd has used Davis at center more frequently due to injuries to Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, and the veteran has responded with efficiency around the rim and in pick-and-roll sets.

Key Matchup: Pascal Siakam vs. P.J. Washington

Indiana’s offense runs through Pascal Siakam, last season’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP, who is averaging 26.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. The Pacers have struggled without Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, placing more scoring and playmaking duties on Siakam.

P.J. Washington, averaging 16.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, will likely draw the primary defensive assignment. Washington’s strength and length have been key to Dallas’ defensive schemes, especially when switching across frontcourt matchups.

What’s at Stake

The Mavericks are aiming to close their homestand with momentum before heading on the road this weekend. A win would help stabilize a rocky start marked by injuries and roster shuffling.

The Pacers, meanwhile, are desperate to secure their first victory after an 0–3 start and a wave of injuries that has gutted their rotation.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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