Can the boys in blue (and white) make it two in a row?
Giannis, Dame, and the Bucks visit Kyrie, Klay and Moses(?!) Saturday evening in what the Mavericks hope to be a compelling game. Both teams are coming off a win in their most recent bouts and hope to use this game as a launching pad for a potential winstreak. Here are some key things to look out for in Saturday evening’s game.
Can Kyrie Keep it Up?
Key to a Maverick victory will once again be the performance of Kyrie Irving. In his last nine games, Kyrie is averaging 27.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. While those numbers are indeed impressive, Jason Kidd has to be concerned about Kyrie averaging 39.3 minutes per game over that stretch. Irving currently ranks seventh in the league in minutes, but that 39.3 average over his last nine would put him at the top of the list. Only time will tell if Kyrie’s body can keep it up.
Lacking Depth Up Front
Speaking of keeping it up, pay close attention to the performance of the Mavericks bigs in this game. Moses Brown, who played a career game on Thursday evening against the Hornets, hopes to earn more than a ten day contract with the Mavericks. To do so, he’ll have to continue his good play against a much more formidable foe in Giannis and the Bucks.
He’ll need help in the big man room to do so. With Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and now P.J. Washington hobbled and likely out on Saturday, Jason Kidd will need to cobble together some semblance of a front court to compete with the Milwaukee.
Superstar Bucks duo
On the Bucks end, both their superstar players showed up on the injury report. Damian Lillard is listed as probable to play Saturday evening, but chances are he will suit up. Lillard is averaging 27 points and 7 assists in his last eight, all while shooting a respectable 38% from three. He and the Bucks are 7-3 in their last ten, but only 12-16 on the road this season. The Mavericks hope to make that 12-17 with a victory Saturday night.
Also listed as probable for Saturday’s game is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Like Dame, expect him to suit up. Giannis, who averages nearly 26 points and 11 rebounds a game against Dallas, is likely looking forward to a game against a team in Dallas without much front court depth or
How to watch
The game is on KFAA and MavsTV and starts at 7:30 pm.