10 Most important games on Dallas Mavericks' 2024-25 schedule

8. Day before Thanksgiving clash against New York Knicks

Before the Mavericks sit down at the Thanksgiving table and potentially watch the annual Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game, the Mavericks have an elite game against an Eastern Conference team on November 27 as they host the New York Knicks.

This matchup is a good contest for both teams who had good seasons last season. The Mavericks reached the Finals, and the Knicks finished as the second seed in the East.

The hype surrounding the Knicks is high with ex-Maverick Jalen Brunson leading the team to a 50-win season last season and is now the team captain. For the Mavericks, a win against an East team with a lot of hype provides a statement that the Mavs can compete with any elite team.

With the hype surrounding both teams, it could also be a potential Finals matchup. The Knicks were eliminated in seven games of the second round last season by the Indiana Pacers, and would've faced the Boston Celtics had they won. The Knicks and Celtics always have tough games.

The Mavericks and Knicks game before Thanksgiving is another important game for the season. It will be broadcast on ESPN, and a good amount of people will be tuned in to see how Brunson plays his former team but also to see if the Mavs can beat top teams in the East.