The Dallas Mavericks will face the New York Knicks on February 8 (Thursday) at Madison Square Garden. The Mavericks will hope to carry on their two-game winning streak into the upcoming game. They are coming off a great win against the Brooklyn Nets. Dallas is in the middle of a three-game road trip that ends at the Garden. The Knicks’ power forward Julius Randle suffered a shoulder injury five games ago. In his absence, the team still managed to go 4-1, with their only loss coming against the LA Lakers. However, their depleted unit will now be tested when they face the deadly offensive duo of Irving and Luka Doncic.
Preview
Luka Doncic is in the midst of another potential MVP run, averaging 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 9.4 assists. Brunson has also been a force for the Knicks, averaging 27.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists. Injury issues could be the deciding factor for New York on Thursday as they try to contain Doncic and Irving. Like the Knicks, Dallas is also a good three-point shooting team and currently ranks ninth in the league in beyond-the-arc points. Despite the lack of firepower, the matchup promises to be a close contest.
Starting lineup
Doncic and Irving are listed as probable for the clash. Maxi Kleber is questionable. While Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum are out of the contest. The Mavericks will likely stick to the same lineup they did in the last game. Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Josh Green, Derrick Jones Jr. and Maxi Kleber are expected to be starters. The Knicks will be without Julius Randle. Brunson is troubled by an ankle injury. The Knicks are expected to go with the same lineup with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Precious Achiuwa, Josh Hart and Isiah Hartenstein.
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Prediction
The game depends a lot on the availability of OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson. If both stars are available, it won’t be easy for Dallas. The Mavericks are still expected to win on Thursday.
