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Heat's fast pace meets Mavericks offense that ranked 27th

Miami played the league's fastest pace last season, while Dallas scored 109.2 points per 100 possessions and may be without Cooper Flagg.

Miami played the league's fastest pace last season: 105.4
Dallas scored 109.2 per 100 possessions, 27th in the league
Cooper Flagg is questionable; four Mavericks are out

Published October 26, 2026 at 8:01 AM1 min read How this story was written

Final

Dallas Mavericks

Miami Heat

Box score and plays

The Dallas Mavericks (26-56) visit the Miami Heat (43-39) on Monday, October 26, in a game that pairs the league's fastest pace from last season with an offense that ranked 27th, at 7:30 PM ET.

All records and ranks are from last season, with this season's rosters. Miami played the fastest pace at 105.4 possessions, and Dallas was fourth at 103.6. The Mavericks used theirs poorly, ranking 27th in offensive rating (109.2) and effective field goal percentage (52.7).

Miami's defense ranked 14th with a rating of 112.3 and held opponents to the eighth-lowest effective field goal percentage, 54. The Heat also had the fourth-lowest turnover rate, 11.2, while Dallas forced turnovers at the 28th-best rate.

Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points on 62.4% shooting in 36 games last season, and Bam Adebayo grabbed 10 rebounds a night in 73. Cooper Flagg scored 21 points a game for Dallas in 70 games and is questionable.

Naji Marshall and Santi Aldama are out for Dallas, and both averaged more than 26 minutes a game last season. Dereck Lively II and Tarik Biberovic are also out, and Caleb Martin is doubtful. Miami lists Pelle Larsson as available.

Miami has lost all three games this season, the latest 115-110 at Charlotte. Dallas is 1-2, including a 121-105 win at Indiana.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Heat a 74% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, makes it 76%, with Miami ahead by 8.9 points.