Nets Seek Upset in Dallas Amid Mavericks’ Injury Woes
The Brooklyn Nets are set to resume their campaign following a brief hiatus due to the NBA Cup schedule, facing off against the Dallas Mavericks tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET in Texas. Fresh from a convincing 119-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans just last week, the Nets are looking to build on a solid run, having secured three wins in their last four outings.
Mavericks’ Recent Surge
The Mavericks, on the other hand, have also found their rhythm recently, achieving victories in four of their last five games. After a dismal start that saw them languishing at the bottom of the NBA standings, Dallas has methodically clawed its way back to the 10th seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. The return of star player Anthony Davis has been pivotal in their resurgence, and he is expected to suit up for tonight’s clash.
Injury Concerns in the Paint
However, the Mavericks face a significant hurdle as they prepare for the Nets. Two crucial centers, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, are likely to miss the game due to injuries. Lively is set to undergo season-ending foot surgery, while Gafford is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury. This situation forces Davis to take on the center role, leaving the Mavericks potentially vulnerable in the paint.
In contrast, the Nets are largely healthy, with the exception of Cam Thomas, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, and Haywood Highsmith, who is dealing with a knee issue. Additionally, Ben Saraf will miss the game for a G League assignment. Nevertheless, the Nets will benefit from the presence of their promising frontcourt duo, Danny Wolf and Nic Claxton, both of whom are ready to make an impact.
Frontcourt Matchup Analysis
With Lively and Gafford likely out, Brooklyn’s chances of controlling the paint improve significantly. The Nets currently allow an average of 53.5 paint points per game, ranking 24th in the league, while the Mavericks are worse off at 55.6 points per game, placing them at the bottom of the rankings. Given the current injury situation in Dallas, the Nets could capitalize on this weakness.
In terms of matchups, Brooklyn’s frontcourt appears to have the upper hand. Their starting forwards and centers boast an average height of just over 6-foot-10, while their backup big men measure 6-foot-10 and 6-foot-11. Conversely, the Mavericks will be somewhat undersized, with Davis being the only rotation player standing taller than 6-foot-9, although Dwight Powell may see increased playing time due to the injuries.
The Nets also enjoy a height advantage in the backcourt. Guards Egor Demin, Terance Mann, and Drake Powell loom large over Dallas’ Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams, further stacking the odds in Brooklyn’s favor.
Key Player to Watch
Amidst these dynamics, the spotlight will be on rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who has been in stellar form lately. Averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and a block per game in December, Flagg poses a significant threat that the Nets must contain.
As the Nets prepare to take the court, they may not be favored to win this matchup. However, the unfolding injury scenario for the Mavericks could tip the scales, providing Brooklyn an opportunity to make a resounding statement about its growth and resilience on the road.
