Imago
Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The 2020-21 NBA season has finally kicked off after the shortest offseason in NBA history. For day 2, the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks will lock horns. These are two teams that are expected to make a run for the playoffs in the West.
Phoenix had a great offseason, as they added Chris Paul to their roster. With his arrival, they are finally in a position to compete after years of struggle. On the other hand, the Mavs were already among the top names to win it all behind Luka Doncic.
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This matchup has a chance to become as exciting as it gets. So without any further delay, let’s take a deeper look at this fabulous matchup.
Dallas Mavericks injury updates and lineup predictions
The Mavs have not made any sensational moves this offseason, as their roster is quite solid as it is. When they are at their 100% they can give any team a run for their money. Unfortunately, as of now, they won’t be at their full capacity.
Their star forward Kristaps Porzingis will miss the start of the season due to an injury he suffered last postseason. Along with Porzingis, Maxi Kleber is listed as day to day as well, but it is nothing serious.
Kristaps Porzingis injury update: Mavericks targeting Jan. 1 for big man's return from knee surgeryhttps://t.co/fTLbWwW2Kz pic.twitter.com/mMtcOCmciX
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) November 16, 2020
Keeping the injuries in mind, the expected lineup for the Mavericks is Luka Doncic (G), Tim Hardaway Jr. (G), Josh Richardson (F), Maxi Kleber (F), and Dwight Powell (C).
Phoenix Suns injury updates and lineup predictions
This season, the Suns are expected to make some noise during the regular season as well as the playoffs. Moreover, they have all the required tools to achieve their goal.
As far as the injury report is concerned for their first matchup, forwards Frank Kaminsky and Abdel Nader will be sidelined. Furthermore, star guard Chris Paul is listed probable for the game, but it will be a game time call for the team.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles up the court during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Keeping the above injuries in mind, the Phoenix Suns are expected to enter the floor with Chris Paul (G), Devin Booker (G), Jae Crowder (F), Mikal Bridges (F), and DeAndre Ayton (C).
Suns vs Mavericks game predictions
The Phoenix Suns should come up on top, considering the fact that the Mavs won’t have their second best player in Porzingis. Regardless, the battle between Booker and Doncic is something to look forward to.
