The Dallas Mavericks will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at Wells Fargo Center. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. The last time both teams faced each other was on March 29, 2023, when the 76ers won 116-108. The Mavericks have a 42-41 all-time advantage against the 7ers.
Preview
The Mavericks are in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 26-23 record. They have lost two consecutive games and will try their best to prevent this from turning into three defeats in a row. The most recent loss was a 129-117 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Doncic had 40 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. However, it was not enough, as the Bucks’ Antetokounmpo outscored him with 48 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
The 76ers are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They went 5-5 in their last 10 games. In the 76ers most recent game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, they lost 136-121.
Starting lineup
Luka Doncic is questionable for the upcoming contest with a sore right ankle. Kyrie Irving is probable with a right thumb injury. Maxi Kleber is also questionable because of a dislocation of his right little toe. Dante Exum and Derek Lively II are out. Doncic might play despite his questionable status. Irving could also bounce back after missing six straight games. The Mavericks are expected to start with Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Derrick Jones Jr. and Richaun Holmes.
The 76ers have many players on the injury list, the most prominent is Joel Embiid. He is expected to undergo surgery this week. Nicolas Batum, De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington and Kenneth Lofton Jr. are also out. Tobias Harris is also questionable. The 76ers is expected to start with Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Danuel House Jr., Marcus Morris and Paul Reed.
Prediction
The Mavericks are slightly favored to win the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Expect the Mavericks to cover the spread to win. With key defensive players out due to injuries, this game could see a big score, with the team totaling 242.5 points.
