No rest for the weary
If one is an anomaly, two is a trend and three is a streak. But unfortunately for the Dallas Mavericks (20-14), that streak is not a good one as they’re on the longest losing skid since the four-game debacle in November that saw them lose each game by three points or less. In order to stop the streak, they’ll have to pull of their biggest upset of the season against the world-beating Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4). The last time these two teams faced off, well, does the name Max Strus ring a bell?
The Cavs, who have not played since New Years Eve, are coming off a sweep of a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively. They suffered just one loss in the month of December and haven’t won by less than 10 points since their 115-111 win against the Boston Celtics way back on December 1st. The Mavericks, on the other hand, find themselves stuck in a bad way, with injuries and suspensions taking their toll on what we all believe to be the best roster they’ve assembled in the Luka Doncic era. Let’s get into the tale of the tape.
Beaten and battered
The Mavericks have lost four out of their last five contests, with the lone win coming against the Phoenix Suns in a game that cost them a PJ Washington and Naji Marshall suspension. Even the wins have come at a cost lately! The crux of the issue is the availability of many of the most important Mavericks. They’ve seen six of their top eight players miss games since their Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that will continue to be the case in this one, too. Naji Marshall is serving the final game of his four-game suspension, PJ Washington suffered his second right knee sprain of the year in the 110-99 loss to the Houston Rockets, which has him listed as questionable for this one. Dereck Lively returned from a hip contusion and played very well, albeit on a minutes restriction. It’s tough sledding for the Mavs, and it’s likely to get worse before it gets better.
Shot-making fiesta
This will be an outstanding matchup at guard, with the duo of Donovan Mitchell & Darius Garland taking on Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic Spencer Dinwiddie? Quentin Grimes? Jaden Hardy? Oh, no. Anyhow, Kyrie Irving has been spectacular to start the year, as we are all aware. But the Cavs’ backcourt has been equally fantastic, as the combo of Mitchell & Garland are combining to average 44.2 points, 11.3 assists and nearly three steals per game. Both are shooting above 41% from deep on the year on 7+ attempts per game, too. The guard play should be worth the price of admission for this one.
The large humans will determine the outcome of this game
Cleveland loves playing two bigs next to Garland, Mitchell and whoever their “3” is, whether it’s Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert, Dean Wade or someone else. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are the starters at the 4 and 5 spots, but they’ll rotate through Georges Niang (dba the minivan, best nickname in the league) at the 4 to keep one of their two best bigs on the floor at all times. With Mobley at the 5, it’s more of a small ball look, as he isn’t an imposing threat on the block. But with both he and Allen on the floor, Dallas will have to present the size to match up.
Maxi Kleber is questionable (oblique) alongside PJ Washington (knee). If they’re healthy, expect one of them to be on the floor with Dereck Lively or Daniel Gafford at all times. They will all need to be good in this one for the Mavericks to have a shot at pulling off the stunner. Gafford, in particular, has struggled mightily in the last week or so, including racking up a team worst -27 in his 11 minutes on Wednesday against the Rockets. We know what kind of player Gafford is, I truly don’t think he is this bad. But we’ll need to see him back at his best soon in order to get this ship turned around.
Stay in the game early
The Cavs, who I don’t think many people realize are in fact as good as they are, start games extraordinarily well. They are +21.2 per 100 possessions in the first quarter alone this year, best in the league by three full points. If you don’t come out with the requisite level of intensity, these Cavs will run you out of the gym before you’ve even broken a sweat. If the Mavs want to have a chance here, they can’t be down double digits early.
How to watch
We’re set for a 7:30p tipoff Friday night at the American Airlines Center. The game will be broadcasted on KFAA Channel 29, as well as streamed on Mavs TV.