NBA Rivals Week: Dončić's Return, Guard Battles & More!

ABC Tripleheader Breakdown: Knicks vs. 76ers, Warriors vs. Timberwolves, Lakers vs. Mavericks

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:15pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting an abstracted basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The NBA's Rivals Week showcases the league's top talent and long-standing team rivalries through a cubist lens.Dallas Today

The NBA's Rivals Week features three highly anticipated matchups on ABC this Saturday, including Luka Dončić's return to Dallas, an All-Star guard showdown between the Knicks and 76ers, and the Warriors' road trip to face the struggling Timberwolves.

Why it matters

These games have major implications for the tight Eastern and Western Conference playoff races, with teams jockeying for position. The Dončić-Lakers and Knicks-76ers matchups also feature individual star power and long-standing rivalries that add extra drama and intrigue.

The details

In the Knicks-76ers game, All-Star guards Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Brunson will go head-to-head for the first time, with both players enjoying career-high scoring seasons. The Timberwolves have won 5 straight against the Warriors, but Minnesota is on a 4-game losing skid, while Golden State is dealing with key injuries. And in the marquee Lakers-Mavericks matchup, Luka Dončić faces his former team for the second time since his blockbuster trade, looking to maintain his perfect record against Dallas.

  • The NBA's Rivals Week takes place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Luka Dončić

A 24-year-old All-NBA guard who was recently traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tyrese Maxey

A 22-year-old All-Star guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who leads the NBA in points per game this season.

Jalen Brunson

A 25-year-old All-Star guard for the New York Knicks who is also enjoying a career-high scoring season.

Stephen Curry

A 38-year-old future Hall of Fame point guard and one of the NBA's all-time greatest three-point shooters, currently playing for the Golden State Warriors.

Anthony Edwards

A 22-year-old rising star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who ranks highly in three-pointers made this season.

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What’s next

Fans will be eagerly awaiting the results of these highly anticipated Rivals Week matchups, which could have major implications for the NBA playoff picture.

The takeaway

The NBA's Rivals Week showcases some of the league's best individual talent and long-standing team rivalries, with each game offering a unique storyline and high stakes for the teams involved.