3 thoughts before the Dallas Mavericks host the Indiana Pacers

Pretty Ricky and the Pacers visit the AAC Monday night.

On the eve of the 2024 elections, the Dallas Mavericks (4-2) will host the Indiana Pacers. Indiana may be only 2-4 thus far this year, but they’ve given the Mavericks fits in recent history. The Mavericks are 2-4 in their last six games against the Pacers – and 1-3 in their last four against Rick Carlisle. The Mavs look to turn that trend around and defeat the short-handed Pacers tonight.

Here are three things to look out for during tomorrow’s game:

Welcome to the 2024-2025 season, Luka!

Despite his perpetually bloody knee (what’s up with that?), Luka looked spectacular Sunday night against a collection of really tough Magic defenders. Not even ordained minister Jonathan Isaac could slow down Luka on his way to 32 points in 32 minutes. Look for Luka to have another strong performance – he’s averaged over 33 points his last five games against the Pacers.

Keep Tyrese Bottled Up

The Pacers’ star guard is averaging only 14 points this year, and shooting only .33% from the floor. That said, Haliburton was in a bit of a slump the last time the Pacers came to Dallas too. He ended up scoring 19 points to a win for the Pacers back in March. If the Mavericks hope to win tonight, they must keep him bottled up this time.

Early Battle of Attrition

Indiana is already banged up. Young backup center Isaiah Jackson went down Friday against the Pelicans to a season-ending Achilles injury. He joins starter Aaron Nesmith on the injury report as Nesmith will likely sit with an ankle injury. Add in Pacers backup guard Andrew Nembhard, who is questionable to play on Monday, to the injury list and you’ve got a Pacer team thin on bodies. Hopefully the Mavericks will take advantage of the shorthanded Pacers and come out with another victory.

How to Watch

This one’s on Channel 29 for the local fans, as well as MavsTV, and NBA League Pass.