Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have had a fairly decent run this season. However, injuries have crippled the team’s progress. They are currently coming off a three-game losing streak. During their last appearance against the Phoenix Suns, the Mavericks were weak in terms of defense. However, Doncic and his team were still good offensively.
Luka Doncic will strut his stuff in this year’s All-Star festivities in Indiana 💯pic.twitter.com/puCVXx1ZED
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 26, 2024
The Atlanta Hawks are going to take on the Mavericks at the State Farm Arena tonight. They have been dealing with a lot of chemistry issues between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray as well as injuries. The Hawks are coming off a three-game losing streak as well. Once again, defense was a notable issue during their previous matchup. However, the Hawks also suffered in Young’s absence.
Dejounte Murray is available to start for the Hawks vs. Mavericks game
After a year and a half of trial, the Hawks have finally recognized that the Murray-Young dynamic hasn’t worked out. Dejounte Murray has been averaging 21.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Even though he has been faring well, the Hawks have not been able to figure out how to utilize two ball-dominant guards. Murray has not missed a game this season and will start for the Hawks tonight.
De’Andre Hunter, Wesley Matthews, Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson putting shots up pic.twitter.com/9u5EAjlwU2
— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) January 26, 2024
Atlanta Hawks Injury Report:
- Wesley Matthews (Questionable)
- Vit Krejci (Out)
- De’Andre Hunter (Out)
- Clint Capela (Questionable)
- Trae Young (Questionable)
- Bruno Fernando (Questionable)
- Mouhamed Gueye (Out)
Atlanta Hawks Expected Lineup:
- Dejounte Murray
- Bogdan Bogdanovic
- Saddiq Bey
- Jalen Johnson
- Onyeka Okongwu
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report:
- Maxi Kleber (Probable)
- Dwight Powell (Out)
- Kyrie Irving (Questionable)
Dallas Mavericks Expected Lineup:
- Luka Doncic
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Josh Green
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Dereck Lively II
As stated earlier, injuries have been a major reason why the Mavericks haven’t been performing well. After having a great start to the season, they have dropped down in the rankings significantly. Kyrie Irving has missed multiple games as he first endured a gruesome heel injury. Without him, the Mavericks will have issues adapting to offensive strategies.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Dallas Mavericks Game Prediction
This will be the first time both teams will be meeting this season. However, the Hawks have a winning record against the Mavericks over the years. In the last five seasons, the Hawks and Mavericks have shared a few battles going 4-4 against each other.
When Young is present in the lineup, the Hawks certainly have one of the best offenses in the league. This season, he has been averaging 26.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game on 42.2% shooting. But since he is questionable, Dejounte Murray will have to take most of the load upon himself.
List of NBA players averaging 25+ PTS and 10+ AST
Trae Young
End of list.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 26, 2024
It is quite similar when it comes to the Mavericks as well. Irving’s battles with injuries this season have been monumental but in a negative light. However, Doncic has enough backup in the form of Hardaway Jr. to help him run the offense. Both teams will have to up their defensive presence to make the game more competitive.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic working on free throws at the end of today’s practice.#MFFL pic.twitter.com/Y4SE4JvDQh
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) January 21, 2024
Dallas has shot comparatively better from deep averaging 36.9% from beyond the arc. Doncic leads the team averaging 3.3 three-pointers made on 9 attempts. Unfortunately, the Hawks are losing on this advantage since Young is potentially going to be sidelined. Overall, the Mavericks have a better chance of winning this matchup.