The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento is set for a battle of attrition on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as the Dallas Mavericks visit the Sacramento Kings. This Western Conference matchup features two teams grappling with significant injury woes and languishing near the bottom of the standings, turning the contest into a test of depth and resilience rather than a showcase of star power.
Injury Report Casts Shadow Over Key Players
The availability sheets for both squads make for grim reading. The Dallas Mavericks will be without several core pieces. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined following left knee surgery, while big man Dereck Lively II is out after right foot surgery. Dante Exum is also unavailable due to right knee surgery. Forward P.J. Washington is listed as doubtful with a right ankle sprain, further depleting the Mavs' rotation.
On the other side, the Sacramento Kings' situation is equally dire. Their anchor, Domantas Sabonis, is out with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. Key forward Keegan Murray is also out and expected to miss three to four weeks with a left ankle sprain. These absences force both coaches to dig deep into their benches and rely on unproven talent for extended minutes.
Who Steps Up? Players in the Spotlight
With the usual stars watching from the sidelines, other players must carry the offensive load. For Dallas, the onus falls on rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, averaging 18.9 points per game, and veteran leader Anthony Davis, who leads the team with 20.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per night. Role players like Naji Marshall (13.2 ppg) and Max Christie, whose scoring has surged recently, will see increased responsibility.
Sacramento will look to their veteran backcourt for production. Zach LaVine leads the Kings with 20 points per game, supported by DeMar DeRozan's 18 points. The energetic Russell Westbrook contributes 14.6 points and 6.9 assists nightly. Sabonis's absence, however, leaves a massive void of 12.3 rebounds per game that the team must collectively fill.
Game Outlook, Betting Odds, and How to Watch in India
Despite being on the road, the Mavericks enter as 5.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -205, reflecting their slightly better record and recent win over Houston. The Kings, on a five-game losing streak, are at +170. The total points line is set at 233.5, though injuries may lead to a slower-paced game. Key player props include Naji Marshall scoring over 12.5 points.
For fans in India, the game tips off at a prime viewing time. Action begins at 8:30 AM IST on Wednesday, January 7. The broadcast will be available nationally in the US on Peacock and locally on NBC and KFAA. Indian viewers can catch all the action live via NBA League Pass or through local NBA broadcasters, with Fubo TV being another streaming option internationally.
This game represents a critical opportunity for both teams to halt negative momentum. Dallas (13-23, 11th in West) seeks to build on their recent win, while Sacramento (8-28, 14th in West) desperately aims to snap a five-game skid. With playoff hopes fading, this matchup is less about execution and more about survival, heart, and which team's supporting cast can rise to the occasion.
