The Dallas Mavericks will face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers are expected to make the playoffs as they host a ferocious Dallas that looks like a title contender. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season before they face off again at the American Airlines Center on March 5.
Preview
Mavericks are in tremendous form. Like the Pacers, they lead the midfield until the conclusion of the regular season. Luka Doncic is on the MVP run, while Kyrie Irving has added much-needed experience and maturity that Dallas lacked last season. They don’t have enough firepower to keep up with their offense. The addition of PJ Washington finally gives them something strong in the end. Still, they’ll be aware of the threat of Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. However, they have a better defense, which could be the x-factor in the upcoming contest.
Starting lineup
The Mavericks have three players questionable: Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber. Dante Exum is out. Dallas is expected to start with Doncic, Kyrie Irving, PJ Washington, Josh Green and Derek Lively II. Meanwhile, the Pacers have two players on their injury list. Aaron Nesmith is out, while Jalen Smith is questionable. They will likely start with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Doug McDermott, Pascal Siakam and Isiah Jackson.
Prediction
The Mavericks are an in-form team currently and are heading to Indiana on a seven-game winning streak. The duo of Doncic and Irving is incredible on offense and has produced great numbers, helping the Mavericks beat opponents with ease. But it will not be easy to overcome Haliburton, Siakam and Myles Turner, so the Pacers will have to focus on their defense. It is expected to be a close game, with Indiana looking to beat Dallas at home.
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