The race for the guaranteed playoff spots in the Western Conference is heating up. With no less than ten teams vying for just six guaranteed playoff spots, the 2023-24 regular season is poised for a grandstand finish. Of course, the Dallas Mavericks are in the thick of it, as they currently occupy the 7th spot in the Western Conference standings, with 34 wins from 59 matches.

The Mavs face the Boston Celtics in their next match. However, the Dallas Mavericks fans face an anxious wait, as the availability of Luka Doncic remains uncertain for tonight’s crunch game against the Celtics. Dallas still has a question mark against his status for tonight’s game due to an ankle sprain. But that’s not the only thing Doncic is currently dealing with. The point guard has been playing with a broken nose for more than a week now.

Doncic sprained his ankle during the Mavs’ 136-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He went on to play 36 minutes and recorded 30 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds in that game. His potential absence can significantly impact the Dallas Mavericks, particularly in their matchup against the Eastern Conference leaders, the Boston Celtics.

A video clip from the Raptors game shows the Dallas Mavericks star walking with a visible limp. While he has been braving his nose injury so far, he also finished the Toronto match despite the ankle sprain. Thus, until the match starts, everything will be a dice roll. However, according to Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend, “Mavs shootaround is not complete, but Doncic is taking part, seemingly a good sign that he’ll play tonight.” If the Mavs lineup doesn’t have Luka Magic in its next game, then Kyrie Irving will have to step up and bear a heavier responsibility and lead Dallas against his former team.

As a silver lining, it’s not all bad news for the Mavs’ fans, as Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber have been declared fit to play in tonight’s game. Furthermore, Dante Exum also returned from a lengthy injury layoff against the Raptors.

Predicted Lineups: Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks will have their work cut out against the Celtics, who have been the most dominant team of the season with a 46-12 record. Moreover, Boston has also been impervious on their home court, winning 27 out of 30 games. However, the Mavericks have displayed improved performances in recent weeks. In fact, they have won 8 out of their last 10 games. They could begin the game with Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., PJ Washington, Josh Green, and Dereck Lively II.

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The Boston Celtics are on course to win 65 regular season games, maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last nine games. With their key players remaining injury-free, it’s hard to envision anyone betting against the Celtics to capture their historic 18th NBA title this season. They could start the game with Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porziņģis. Will the Dallas Mavericks be able to beat the Celtics and climb the Western Conference leaderboard?