The Dallas Mavericks have started the season as they mean to go on. They have established themselves as one of the best teams in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Mavs have pleasantly surprised many people with their stellar displays. Luka Doncic’s outstanding form has played a pivotal role in the Dallas Mavericks’ impressive performances this season. But the team has been without the services of another one of its star players for the past 11 games: Kyrie Irving.

Come Saturday night, the team could be faced with the possibility of competing in their upcoming game without the presence of both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the Dallas Mavericks prepare to take on the Golden State Warriors.

Starting line or sideline for Kyrie Irving?

The game between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks is scheduled to tip off by 8:30 PM Eastern Time at the Chase Center in San Francisco. It promises to be a thrilling watch as two playoff contenders go head-to-head. However, the Warriors have failed to live up to their lofty preseason expectations. On the contrary, the Mavs are punching above their weight, as they currently occupy a guaranteed playoff spot. But Dallas will have something to worry about going into the highly-anticipated clash.

After sustaining a right heel contusion on December 8, Kyrie Irving has since put aside his crutches, with his rehab in full swing. But as much as the Mavs would’ve liked to see him on the court, they will miss his services due to the contusion. However, the fact that he’s been upgraded to doubtful points to positive signs that he could return soon. Amid all this, though, the Mavs have Luka Doncic to worry about as well.

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Following that exhilarating Christmas Day victory over the Phoenix Suns – where Luka Doncic dropped 50 points and crossed 10,000 career points – the Mavericks have been on a two-game losing streak. And Doncic sat out the previous game against the Timberwolves. With him being listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to left quad soreness, it looks like the Mavs will be without their All-Star.

Doncic had been playing through the injury since the All-Star break, but he aggravated it against the Suns on Christmas Day. Apart from Irving and Doncic, the Mavs will also miss the services of Maxi Kleber for the foreseeable future due to toe dislocation. On the other hand, the Warriors don’t have any significant absentees. But, they listed Kevon Looney as questionable due to an illness. With the Mavs missing their two stars, how will they line up against the Warriors?

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Predicted Lineups: Warriors vs Mavericks

The Mavs would aim to establish themselves as favorites for a guaranteed playoff spot with a win over the Warriors. But the absence of two of their star players makes this a very daunting task. Despite missing Luka and Kyrie, the Mavs can field a competitive lineup. They could start the game with Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, Grant Williams, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dereck Lively II.

The Warriors go into the game as favorites because of home advantage, as well as the Mavs missing their star players. However, the Mavs still have the capability to win if the Warriors underestimate them. They would field a strong lineup, which might consist of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Kevon Looney.

Who will win? Let us know in the comments below!

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