USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) celebrates with guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Jalen Brunson (13) during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) celebrates with guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Jalen Brunson (13) during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Mavericks were 8-13 three weeks ago, and it was appearing as if Luka Doncic had lost his midas touch. It was also alarming to see that Kristaps Porzingis could not lift them the way he should. However, they soon turned the tide and bettered their record to 15-15 to sit at #9 in the WC rankings.
This week is full of tough draws for the Mavs. They overcame the challenge from the Celtics, but now they have the Sixers standing against them. The Philly side is coming off a leveled series against the Raptors and is on the lookout for anyhow winning against the Mavs. The desperation, because if they lose and the Nets win against the Magic, they’ll slip from the #1 spot.
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Mavericks vs Sixers: Lineup prediction and injuries
USA Today via Reuters
Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
For the Mavs, power forward Maxi Kleber (ankle) is questionable for the game against the Sixers. Also, star center Kristaps Porzingis has some issues with his back and is on a day-to-day decision.
Possible starting five – Dorian Finney-Smith (SF), James Johnson (PF), Dwight Powell (C), Luka Doncic (PG), and Josh Richardson (SG)
For the Sixers, shooting guard Seth Curry (ankle) is listed probable to play on Thursday night.
Possible starting roster – Tobias Harris (PF), Danny Green (SF), Joel Embiid (C), Ben Simmons (PG), and Furkan Korkmaz (SG)
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Who wins?
USA Today via Reuters
76ers forward Tobias Harris celebrates with guard Ben Simmons and center Joel Embiid after scoring the game-winning basket against the Lakers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Mavs would be happy if their former teammate Seth Curry does not show up because that’ll be one incredible shooter less with the Sixers. However, if he does play, Tim Hardaway Jr. might get the onus to defend him from coming off the screen and scoring in transition.
Next, the Mavs are already struggling with their rebounding while the Sixers, thanks to Joel Embiid, are elite at it. In case Porzingis did not show up, stopping Embiid from registering another great outing from both ends would be a tough ask.
Further, Luka Doncic is in amazing form with close to averaging a triple-double in every game. But against the Sixers, he will face a great defender in Ben Simmons and it will be tough to score against Big Ben.
Our prediction – Sixers winning in a closely contested game.
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