The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves have kick-started their NBA preseason. While the Wolves clinched a comfortable win over the Mavs, they are all set to take another go at it today. The exhibition games are being held in Abu Dhabi and with a 111-99 win over the Dallas franchise, the Wolves are presenting a stronger case.

However, the nature of this game is ever-changing. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Luka Doncic‘s team managed to cause an upset. Before heading into their second showdown, let’s look at how the teams have fared so far.

Luka Doncic’s positivity leaves Mavs hopeful

Although the Mavs suffered defeat, Doncic showed positive signs for his franchise. The Slovenian national scored 25 points in the first 17 minutes of the first half. However, the efforts fell short against the carnage that the Wolves presented. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points in the exhibition game and was supported perfectly by his teammates. Other than Towns, Naz Reid scored 16 points. The Wolves managed a 29-point lead at a time and successfully managed to never trail throughout the game.

Now the two teams are all set to go against one another for round two. The Wolves are entering this game with an unbeaten advantage against the Mavs. In addition to that, Dallas star player Kyrie Irving is yet to show his true class on the hardwood. He ended the previous game with only 2 points scored in 14 minutes. However, one cannot simply write off Irving and he sure will be looking to put the advantage behind him and contribute to his team.

While we are still in the preseason, teams will conduct their tests during games, trying out combinations to see what will work going forward.

Will the Mavs’ disadvantage cost them further?

Heading into any event with a disadvantage creates additional pressure on the team. The Wolves have a 2-0 record against the Mavs in the preseason and the Doncic-led team would like to replace the “0” for the record books. But the path to their victory isn’t going to be easy, especially considering that the Wolves bagged an easy win despite the absence of their star player Anthony Edwards.

Read More: Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving Recalls Paulo Coelho?s Gem as Luka Doncic & Co Gather for Preseason in Abu Dhabi

It will be interesting to see how the Mavs 4x All-Star does in the 2nd outing. More importantly, they will desperately need Irving to get back in his form as, a few weeks from now, we’ll be heading to our regular season games. The game on 7th October will be the last leg for the teams in Abu Dhabi before they head back home.

Watch This Story: ?Without Kevin Durant, LeBron (James) Got Steph in His Backpocket?: ex-Teammates Give Lakers Superstar an Upper Edge For the 5th Ring