The 2024 NBA Finalists suddenly have a major roadblock and have a 1-3 record in the last four games. Next up, they face the in-form lethal Houston Rockets. So, if they don’t lock in, they might lose three in a row. Moreover, this poor stretch didn’t do much to the team’s performance, as injuries affected the Mavericks. For the first time, the team didn’t have Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Luka Doncic in the starting five in their loss to the Kings.

The Mavericks had an enormous setback during the Christmas Day game against the Wolves, as LukaMagic sustained a left calf injury. Moreover, the team has ruled him out for at least a month, citing a calf strain. So, Kyrie Irving has to shoulder the team’s offense single-handedly until the Slovenian guard returns. Notably, in the recent game against the Trail Blazers, the Mavs played their second game without Luka, and the team lost despite Kyrie’s 46 points.

So, we aren’t entirely sure how the remaining games without Luka Doncic will pan out for the Mavs. Apart from him, the team has listed out two other players: Dante Exum (Wrist surgery) and Naji Marshall (suspension). In the meantime, the team listed Dereck Lively II, who missed the last three games with a left hip contusion in the Questionable category.

Kyrie Irving, who missed the last game with shoulder soreness, wasn’t listed on the report, which makes it clear that Uncle Drew is available for tonight’s game. Additionally, Klay Thompson wasn’t present in the report, following his absence in the last game because of illness. So, the bottom line is the Mavs are competitive enough to take on the Rockets on Wednesday.

Kyrie Irving & Co. Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

It’s the clash between the 3rd and 4th seeding teams in the West. It can even be considered as a teaser for the postseason clash between these two powerhouses. However, this game cannot be a sample for the series because the Mavs lack one of the franchise’s centerpieces, Luka Doncic. At the same time, if the Mavs manage to pull off a win without their starting guard, then it’s definitely a plus for the Texas side moving forward.

On the other hand, the Rockets have truly turned up the heat this season. The H-Town team has made quite a jump from not making it to the playoffs in the last season to standing among the table-toppers. Anyway, it’s not even the halfway mark. Anything can happen before the start of the postseason. Let’s sit back and watch as it unfurls.

Nevertheless, who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments.