The Dallas Mavericks are a major threat to deal with in the Western Conference. Despite having a few small setbacks recently, they have managed to maintain a steady record. The dynamic Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have created is spectacular. Because of their efforts, the Mavericks are currently fifth in the Western Conference. They have a record of 15 wins and 9 losses.
Kyrie at it 🏀🔥#NBA #dallasmavericks #ClipperNation #ballislife #kyrieirving pic.twitter.com/4p2mcRgbyj
— Akim (@akim_majok) December 16, 2023
Their opponents for the night will be the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, it has been a while since the franchise has had a taste of being one of the top five teams in the West. Having lost a lot during the off-season, it will be a while before they bounce back. The Blazers rank 13th in the West with a record of 6 wins and 17 losses. Both teams will meet at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
Kyrie Irving is not available to start for the Blazers vs. Mavericks game
It was during a game against the Blazers that Kyrie Irving endured a severe heel contusion. He is expected to miss out on a couple of games before making a return. Irving has been averaging 23 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Maxi Kleber (toe) will not play against the Blazers. Seth Curry (ankle) is questionable for the Blazers game. Josh Green (elbow sprain) will be sidelined.
Rough Injury for Kyrie Irving, hopefully it isn’t too serious 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/vvlYmp4I5Z
— ₅ (@RunWithFox) December 9, 2023
The Blazers will have one of their leading players sidelined for the game. Jerami Grant, who is suffering from a concussion will miss out on the game. Robert Williams III will remain sidelined as well. He recently underwent a successful surgery to repair a torn ligament. But he is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report:
- Jerami Grant (Out)
- Robert Williams III (Out)
Portland Trail Blazers Expected Lineup:
- Anfernee Simons
- Shaedon Sharpe
- Toumani Camara
- Jabari Walker
- Deandre Ayton
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report:
- Maxi Kleber (Out)
- Kyrie Irving (Out)
- Seth Curry (Questionable)
- Josh Green (Out)
Dallas Mavericks Expected Lineup:
- Luka Doncic
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Grant Williams
- Derek Lively II
Will the Mavericks beat the Blazers without Kyrie Irving?
It goes without question that the Mavericks have a far better team in terms of productivity and versatility. Luka Doncic continues to average league-leading stats with 32.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. Having players like Hardaway Jr. and Williams support him on the court defensively will move mountains.
career night for scoot 💫
▫️ 23 PTS (career-high)
▫️ 10 AST (career-high)
▫️ 1 STL pic.twitter.com/J4myPsvuUs— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 15, 2023
With Grant injured, the Mavericks have one less offensive threat to deal with. However, Anferee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe are two individuals the Mavericks will have to remain cautious about. Defensively, the Blazers are extremely competent especially with Malcolm Brogdon and Scoot Henderson in the second rotation. The Mavericks’ bench will have problems to deal with as Curry is questionable.