Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets: Injury Updates, Expected Lineups, and Game Prediction

The Dallas Mavericks finally won their first game of season in a blowout victory against the Clippers. They started out with two disappointing losses, but with new signings finally performing to their expected level, the Mavs will hope to win their second successive game as well.

The Charlotte Hornets have had a similar start to their regular season. After two successive losses, they won their first game of the season against the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving-led Brooklyn Nets. Their new singing Gordon Hayward has started strongly, and given the Hornets some much needed quality. The team will hope that they can build on this and challenge the Mavs in the upcoming game.

The Mavs face off against the Hornets tonight at 8:30 PM ET. Ahead of the match, let’s take a look at the expected lineups and injury updates of both the teams.

Charlotte Hornets injury updates and predicted lineup

The Charlotte Hornets have just one single injured player in Cody Zeller. The 28-year-old suffered from a fractured left hand in the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is set to miss up to 4-6 weeks of action before he makes his return.

Apart from that, no other injuries have not been reported till now. The Hornets will hope that Gordon Hayward can lead the side to their second win. They were impressive in their first victory as they defeated the Nets and will hope to keep up the momentum.

Their flashy draft pick LaMelo Ball has been decent off the bench but is still needs to develop his scoring ability in order to become the second legitimate star for the side.

Apart from Hayward, the Hornets are also seeing their forward PJ Washington and guard Terry Rozier put up some good performances. If they really want to win against the Mavericks, the 6’6″ forward will have to replicate his output from the Nets’ game.

Predicted Lineup

Terry Rozier (G)

Devonte’ Graham (G)

Gordon Hayward (F)

PJ Washington (F)

Bismack Biyombo (C).

Dallas Mavericks injury updates and expected lineup

The Dallas Mavericks still do not have their second star Kristaps Porzingis play for them this season. The 7’3″ Latvian is recovering from a knee injury he suffered in last year’s playoffs. He is still not clear for the game, but might return in a week or two.

Their new signing, Josh Richardson, is doubtful for the game. The 27-year-old suffered from a calf injury. It will be upon coach Rick Carlyle to make the choice if risking Richardson or play backup James Johnson instead.

The Mavs finally got their first win as they battered the Clippers with a 124-73 scoreline. They will hope that the team can perform in a similar manner and win against the Hornets.

Predicted Lineup

Josh Richardson (G)

Luka Doncic (G)

Dorian Finney-Smith (F)

Tim Hardaway Jr. (F)

Dwight Powell (C)

Predictions

Both the Mavs and the Hornets are coming off of their first win of the season. While Hornets look good with Hayward and Washington, the favorites for this match will be the Mavericks. The team’s superstar Luka Doncic is returning to his best, and new signing Josh Richardson also has adjusted to the system. This might be a close matchup, but the Mavericks have a slight edge in this game.