The Dallas Mavericks have an opportunity to make an early-season statement Wednesday night when they host the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center.

Dallas enters the nationally televised matchup at 2-2 following Monday’s 113-109 road victory over the Miami Heat. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, has opened the season 4-0 despite a growing injury list that has significantly altered its rotation.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

For the Mavericks, the biggest storyline is the continued emergence of Cooper Flagg, who delivered one of the most impressive performances of his young NBA career against Miami.

Flagg finished with 29 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and five steals, tying his career high in assists while setting a personal best in steals.

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Mavericks head coach Dusty May believes Flagg’s playmaking potential is only beginning to emerge.

“If we get to where we’re really finding a rhythm offensively, he’s going to have some 15-20 assist games,” May said.

That confidence will face a serious test against Oklahoma City, which enters Wednesday allowing just 100.8 points per game.

The Thunder swept all three meetings with Dallas last season, and Flagg struggled in his two appearances, averaging just nine points, two rebounds and one assist.

However, Oklahoma City won’t have several important contributors available for this matchup.

Jalen Williams is sidelined with an ankle fracture, while Chet Holmgren will miss the game because of right knee patellar tendinitis. Cason Wallace remains out with a shoulder injury, and defensive specialist Alex Caruso has been ruled out with an ankle sprain.

Ajay Mitchell, who scored a career-high 30 points against Phoenix on Monday, is questionable with an ankle injury.

Those absences could create opportunities for Dallas, particularly if Kyrie Irving returns to the lineup.

Irving is questionable because of left knee injury management. If available, Wednesday would mark his first home appearance of the season following his lengthy rehabilitation.

The Mavericks also have injury concerns involving Naji Marshall, who is questionable with an illness, and Caleb Martin, who is questionable with a thumb sprain.

Dereck Lively II remains out following foot surgery, while Sergio de Larrea is sidelined with a knee sprain. Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic are doubtful.

Even with Oklahoma City’s depleted roster, slowing down reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains Dallas’ biggest defensive challenge.

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 27.3 points through four games and continues to anchor one of the NBA’s most disciplined teams.

Dallas has surrendered 116 points per game while committing 18.5 turnovers per contest, numbers that could become particularly troublesome against the Thunder’s aggressive defense.

MORE: Cooper Flagg Leads Mavericks Past Heat, 113-109, In Return

The Mavericks will need another efficient performance from Flagg, improved ball security and stronger defensive execution to pull off the upset.

Oklahoma City enters as approximately a 6.5-point favorite, but injuries have made the matchup considerably more intriguing.

For Dallas, beating the defending NBA champions would provide an early indication that May’s developing roster can compete with the Western Conference’s elite.

And with Houston and Sacramento also scheduled to visit American Airlines Center in the coming days, Wednesday offers the Mavericks a chance to begin an important homestand with their biggest victory of the young season.