How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors: Naji Marshall Urges Calm As Dallas Looks To Avoid 0–3 Start (Oct. 26, 2025)

Grant AfsethOctober 26, 2025October 26, 2025no comment

NBA, Mavs, Dallas Mavericks, Naji Marshall

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The Dallas Mavericks will try to halt their early-season skid on Sunday night as they host the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, with the game airing on KFAA-29 and MavsTV Stream.

After back-to-back losses to open the season — a 125–92 defeat to San Antonio and a 117–107 setback to Washington — the Mavericks are emphasizing patience and perspective amid their rocky start.

“It’s two games, man,” forward Naji Marshall said after Saturday’s practice. “That’s like having a bad two days on January first and second, and then you’re panicking for the rest of the year. We just got to keep on keeping on. We’re good. It’s only Game Two.”

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors

Date: Sunday, Oct. 26
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: KEGL 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)
Tickets: Mavs.com

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report

Daniel Gafford: Doubtful (Right Ankle Sprain)
Brandon Williams: Out (Personal Reasons)
Danté Exum: Out (Right Knee Injury Management)
Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery)

Toronto Raptors Injury Report

Collin Murray-Boyles: Questionable (Right Forearm: Muscle Strain)

Dallas Mavericks Focused on Cleaning Up Turnovers

The Mavericks committed 21 turnovers against the Wizards, including eight from P.J. Washington and five each from Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg, costing them multiple transition opportunities.

“When we look at those turnovers, a lot of them weren’t forced,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “We just made silly passes. People weren’t looking, or we were just a little lazy with the ball, so we have to be better. We have to protect the ball.”

Despite the miscues, Flagg showed notable improvement in his second NBA game, scoring 18 points with five rebounds and six assists. Kidd praised the 18-year-old’s poise and ability to push the pace.

“It starts with the defense — being able to get stops and play in transition,” Kidd said. “His ability to get downhill, attack the paint, and run the pick-and-roll is solid. I thought he was great.”

Defensive Consistency Still the Top Priority

While turnovers hurt the Mavericks in their second loss, defensive lapses were just as costly. Dallas allowed 42 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 48 points in the paint against Washington.

“We’ve got to be better defensively,” Anthony Davis said after Friday’s loss. “Playing that big lineup, we’ve got to communicate better. Their guards got into the paint too easily, and that’s on all of us — not just the bigs.”

Kidd echoed that assessment, emphasizing communication and transition coverage as points of focus heading into Sunday.

“Getting stops, especially being down, you have to play perfect,” Kidd said. “For us, we’re getting the stops and then we’re turning the ball over. But overall, it’s about talking on defense and trusting the next guy.”

Cooper Flagg added that the team’s energy on defense often dictates its rhythm offensively.

“It starts on that end,” Flagg said. “When we’re locked in defensively, it makes everything flow — we can run, get in transition, and play our style. When we’re not connected, it shows.”

The Mavericks believe a stronger defensive effort can fuel their pace and flow — something that’s been disrupted through the first two games.

Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington Shouldering the Load

Davis, who underwent offseason eye surgery and now wears protective eyewear, logged 36 minutes in the loss to Washington, finishing with 27 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Kidd said the forward is still ramping up his conditioning but trending upward.

“He’s working,” Kidd said. “Playing 36 minutes will help with that conditioning. AD is trending in the right direction of being in the shape that we need him to.”

Washington added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Marshall praised his consistency and leadership.

“P.J. is P.J.,” Marshall said. “He’s holding it down for us. Him and AD are holding it down right now. When we win the championship, he’s going to be a big reason why.”

Scouting the Toronto Raptors

The Raptors (1–1) enter Sunday averaging 127 points per game after a 138–118 win in Atlanta and a 122–116 loss to Milwaukee. Brandon Ingram leads Toronto with 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley each average over 16 points.

Marshall, who played alongside Ingram in New Orleans, is ready for the defensive assignment.

“Put me on him,” Marshall said. When told of his confidence, Kidd replied, “OK. In Naji we trust.”

Kidd warned that Toronto’s pace and pressure will test Dallas’ transition defense, a recurring issue through two games.

“The teams are going to run and continue to run,” Kidd said. “When you look at Toronto, they’re going to run and press. We all know Oklahoma City and Indiana are going to run, too. This is a good week for us to work on transition defense.”

What’s Next

After Sunday’s matchup, the Mavericks continue their five-game homestand with games against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday and the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, before traveling to Mexico City to face the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 1.

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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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