The Dallas Mavericks' starting five on opening night of the 2025-26 season will likely include D'Angelo Russell, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II, and the final spot will likely go to either Klay Thompson or P.J. Washington.
Both players deserve to be starters in the NBA, as Thompson is still a lethal shooter and Washington is a versatile 3-and-D wing who is an excellent rebounder, but the Mavs' clear shooting flaw will likely determine who they'll start between Washington and Thompson. Dallas shot 32.1 percent from three over the final two months of the season last year (24th in the NBA), and they have to get back on the right track in that department.