PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks travel to Oklahoma City to face the reigning NBA champion Thunder for the second time this season , and the contrasts between these teams tell an intriguing story. Dallas has suddenly found its groove with three consecutive victories, including wins over the LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat , while their defense ranks among the league's elite at limiting three-point attempts, allowing just 37 percent of opponent shots from beyond the arc . However, the Mavericks remain dead last offensively in adjusted efficiency , creating a significant mismatch against a Thunder team that forces turnovers at the highest rate in the NBA and allows the fewest shots attacking the rim. OKC's defensive profile is suffocating, ranking first in limiting rim attacks while forcing the most turnovers , which could prove devastating against a Dallas offense still searching for consistency. The Thunder have extended their winning streak to 13 games and improved to 21-1, becoming the third team in NBA history to record such a start , with a ridiculous plus-15.0 net rating while scoring 120.2 points per 100 possessions and allowing just 105.2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over late in their last contest against Golden State, finishing with 38 points , and the Thunder's defensive excellence leaves little room for error. Isaiah Hartenstein remains sidelined with a calf injury while Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso are questionable , yet Oklahoma City has shown no signs of slowing down despite these absences. The Thunder's offensive spacing on defense ranks seventh in the league , and their ability to control both ends of the floor suggests another dominant performance is likely on Friday night.