The Dallas Mavericks look forward to hosting the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Thursday. It will be 1st matchup for them against the Miami Heat this season. This adds an extra layer of excitement among the fans of both teams. The return of Luka Doncic along with Maxi Kleber both listed as probable for the match today adds more energy to Mavericks camp.
With a 35-26 record. Heat enters the match with a recent victory against Detroit Pistons who are 2nd last in Eastern Conference. Heat’s current form provides them a competitive edge over the Mavericks. However, the presence of Luka Doncic may extend Miami’s head-to-head losing streak against Dallas to four.
Luka Doncic has become an indispensable player for Dallas due to his prowess as a playmaker and a versatile scorer. But, he is currently on the Injury Report of the Mavs due to a bad ankle. However, Dallas fans can be hopeful of seeing him take on Miami since his status is listed as probable.
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The return of power forward Maxi Kleber, who is also listed as probable due to a knee injury will also provide the Mavericks with a better balance. Dallas currently holds the eighth spot in the Western Conference. However, they will need Luka Doncic to play tonight if they wish to solidify their spot. But, will the home crowd be able to witness another episode of Luka Magic against the Heat?
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What would the Mavs lineup look like if Luka Doncic stepped on the court?
Mavericks have struggled recently. They have won 5 out of their last 10 games. And they have lost the last 3 games. Their offense, which typically thrives on Doncic’s playmaking, has sputtered in his absence. Doncic leads the team in scoring 34.6 points per game 9.8 assists per game and 9.0 rebounds per game. This is how they could line up: Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Moses Brown.
Speaking of Dallas’ opposition for the night, the Heat has won 8 out of their last 10 games and are 6th seeded team in the Eastern Conference. They are a well-coached team known for their defensive prowess, ranking fifth in the league in defensive rating. Jimmy Butler leads Heat’s offense scoring 21.9 points per game and scoring 5.5 rebounds per game. Bam Adebayo scoring 20.4 points and 10.3 points in rebounds is a force to reckon with in the paint. This is how they could line up: Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, P.J Tucker.
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The Dallas Mavericks currently need to maintain their playoffs spot and fend off against LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings. Will Luka Doncic be able to return and help his team plant its feet for the playoffs ride?
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