Mavericks vs Hawks Prediction 17 October 2026
🏀 In this NBA preseason matchup, the Dallas Mavericks take on the Atlanta Hawks. Both teams are known for pushing the tempo, which should shape the flow of the game. Expect plenty of scoring from both sides and an unpredictable finish.
Head-to-Head
📊 The last meeting between these teams took place in March, with Atlanta securing a 135-120 win on the road. However, looking at their last five head-to-head clashes, Dallas Mavericks hold the edge with three wins to Atlanta’s two.
Head-to-head statistics Mavericks - Hawks

Dallas Mavericks: The Hosts Are Hitting Their Stride
Dallas have shown mixed form during preseason, picking up just one win from three outings. Their sole victory came against Houston in a 132-115 shootout. Still, the Mavericks possess tremendous upside. Kyrie Irving is back in the lineup, and Flagg is expected to make significant strides. Surrounding these stars is a roster packed with talent, and as the team finds its rhythm, Dallas could emerge as a real offensive powerhouse.
It's tough to predict exactly how the Mavs will fare against Atlanta, especially given the Hawks’ up-tempo style. That pace should give the hosts plenty of opportunities on offense. Even if their shooting isn’t at its best, Dallas are still capable of pushing for 120 points. Their low-scoring battle with the Pelicans (97-101) looks more like an outlier than the norm. Plus, preseason games always feature deep rotations, which can impact scoring output.
Match Results: Dallas Mavericks

Atlanta Hawks: Banking on Offensive Basketball
Atlanta have looked impressive in preseason, racking up three wins from four games. They recently edged out Oklahoma City, 113-110. The hosts are known for their up-tempo brand of basketball, pushing the pace at every opportunity. Both teams feature young rosters eager to make their mark, and Atlanta aren’t shy about launching shots from deep. Against the Thunder, they attempted a staggering 51 three-pointers. While their conversion rate remains under 36%, the sheer volume often compensates for any lack of efficiency.
Defensively, Atlanta could run into all-too-familiar issues. Their high-tempo style gives opponents plenty of shooting opportunities, and the Hawks are prone to conceding points on fast breaks. That trend is unlikely to change here, especially in a preseason fixture where defensive intensity tends to take a back seat.