The race for the guaranteed playoff spots in the Western Conference is heating up and the Dallas Mavericks are right in the thick of it. With the season reaching its halfway stage, the Mavericks currently occupy the 6th spot in the Western Conference standings. The Mavs would aim to further cement their spot in the top-6 of the Western Conference, as they face the Boston Celtics in their next match.

However, fans of the Dallas Mavericks face an anxious wait, as the availability of their star players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, remains uncertain for tonight’s crucial match against the Celtics.

Luka and Kyrie healthy for tonight’s game

The game between the Mavs and the Celtics is scheduled to tip off by 8:30 PM, Eastern Time at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. This matchup promises to be a fascinating encounter between two of the best teams in the league. The Mavericks will have their work cut out as they face, statistically, the best team in the NBA. The Celtics have won 33 games this season, which is the most in the league. However, the Mavericks present a formidable challenge for the Celtics, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both well-rested and ready for their crucial matchup against Boston.

Despite Luka and Kyrie being fit, the Mavs will miss the services of Dante Exum due to a foot injury. Furthermore, the Mavs have also listed sharpshooter Seth Curry as questionable due to an ankle sprain. The Celtics also have to deal with a few injured players on their roster. The Celtics have listed Jrue Holiday as questionable for tonight’s game due to an elbow injury. Moreover, Al Horford may sit out tonight’s game, as the Celtics have chosen to give him a rest.

Predicted Lineups: Mavericks vs Celtics

The Boston Celtics have been the most cohesive team in the NBA, and their regular season backs that up. However, the Celtics’ away record is subject to more scrutiny, as they have won 13 out of their 22 away trips. While not a subpar record by any means, a championship contender is expected to secure more wins on the road. In a crucial away trip, the Celtics could start the game with Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser and Kristaps Porziņģis.

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Although the Mavs currently occupy the 6th spot in the Western Conference standings, their form of late has been very patchy. The Mavs need to pick up wins on a consistent basis if they want to be handed a favorable draw in the playoffs. Their clash with the Celtics may serve as a crucial test to determine their legitimacy as championship contenders. They could begin the game with Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Grant Williams, Derrick Jones Jr. and Dereck Lively II.

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