Timberwolves vs Mavericks on Christmas Day: Dončić Returns as Minnesota Seeks Redemption

• by Kieran Faraday
• Nov, 18 2025

On Christmas Day 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves will walk into the American Airlines Center in Dallas, not as underdogs, but as a team desperate to prove they belong among the West’s elite — a stark contrast to their 2024 Western Conference Finals collapse. The Dallas Mavericks, riding a 10-win streak in 12 games, are ready to remind everyone why they’re the conference’s most dangerous team. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM Eastern Time on ABC/ESPN, marking only the third time in 35 years the Timberwolves have been chosen for the league’s most prestigious holiday slate — and the first since 2004.

Redemption on the Horizon for Minnesota

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, this isn’t just another game. It’s a chance to erase the sting of three straight losses — all by double digits — and the lingering memory of being swept by Dallas in last spring’s conference finals. Head coach Chris Finch, who’s held the reins since 2021, has stuck with his starting five despite the skid: veteran Mike Conley, rising star Anthony Edwards, defensive anchor Jaden McDaniels, power forward Julius Randle, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. The lineup isn’t flashy, but it’s battle-tested. The problem? Their offense has stalled. In their last three games, they’ve averaged just 104.7 points — nearly 12 below their season average. Edwards, who dropped 38 in their last meeting with Dallas, has looked frustrated, forcing shots instead of flowing through the offense. The absence of Luka Garza (left ankle sprain), Joe Ingles (left soleus strain), and Daishen Nix (right ankle sprain) has exposed their lack of depth. Without Ingles’ spacing and Garza’s interior presence, the floor shrinks. Gobert’s rim protection remains elite, but he can’t carry a team offensively.

Dallas: A Machine in Full Gear

The Dallas Mavericks, under head coach Jason Kidd, are humming. Their 10-2 run since mid-December has them firmly in fourth place in the West, just behind the Nuggets and Suns. Their new-look starting five — P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, Kyrie Irving, Luka Dončić, and Klay Thompson — is the most potent backcourt in the league. Thompson, acquired in the offseason, has seamlessly slotted into the role of floor spacer and clutch shooter. Irving, despite his off-court controversies, has been a revelation in Kidd’s system, averaging 24.3 points and 7.1 assists over the last two weeks. And then there’s Dončić. The 25-year-old phenom, listed as probable with a left heel contusion, has played through pain all season. He’s averaging 31.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this year — numbers that would be elite even without injury. The twist? He’s been even more dangerous in the fourth quarter, scoring 8.7 points per 100 possessions in clutch time — best in the NBA. If he plays, Minnesota’s defense has a mountain to climb.

The Injury Factor: Who’s Out, Who’s Risking It

The injury report tells a story of resilience. The Timberwolves lost three rotation players — Garza, Ingles, and Nix — all of whom contributed in specific, critical ways. Ingles’ absence is especially telling; his 38% three-point shooting and veteran poise were key in closing out games. Meanwhile, Dallas has managed to stay mostly healthy. Only two players — Kessler Edwards and Dante Exum — are out long-term. Brandon Williams (thumb sprain) and Jaden Hardy (questionable, ankle) are minor concerns. But the real drama surrounds Dončić. He’s played 82 games in each of the last two seasons — a testament to durability. But a heel contusion isn’t a sprain. It’s a nagging, inflammation-based injury that can flare up under pressure. If he sits, Dallas’ offense loses its gravitational center. If he plays — even at 85% — he’ll be the difference-maker. As one scout put it: “He doesn’t need to be perfect. He just needs to be Luka.”

Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score

This isn’t just about playoff seeding. It’s about legacy. For the Timberwolves, this is their moment to transition from “promising” to “contender.” They’ve been here before — in 2004, they lost to Kobe Bryant’s Lakers on Christmas. In 1994, they fell to Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Those teams were building toward something. This one is too. Anthony Edwards, just 23, is the face of the franchise. He’s the guy who’ll be on the next jersey. This game is his audition on national TV. For Dallas, it’s about proving they’re more than a one-man show. Dončić is transcendent, but Thompson and Irving have to be more than supporting actors. If they can outscore Minnesota’s defense without Dončić at full strength, it’s a sign they’re ready for May. And for fans? This is the first time since 2022 that the Mavericks have hosted Christmas Day basketball. The arena will be electric — 20,245 fans packed in, the same crowd that roared when they beat the Lakers last time.

What’s Next?

If Minnesota wins, it could spark a turnaround. They host the Warriors on December 27 and then face the Clippers on New Year’s Eve — two games that could define their midseason trajectory. A loss, though, and the pressure on Finch and Edwards intensifies. For Dallas, a win would push them into the top three, potentially setting up a home-court advantage in the playoffs. More importantly, it would silence critics who say they’re too reliant on Dončić. The Mavericks have the depth. Now, they need to show they can win without him playing 40 minutes. The NBA schedule-makers knew what they were doing when they picked this matchup. It’s not just a game. It’s a statement.