via Imago
Feb 6, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Feb 6, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks will play hosts to the Boston Celtics at their home arena as both the NBA teams scramble to make the Playoffs. The Mavericks lie just outside the top 8 with a 14-15 record, whereas the Celtics lie at the 6th place in the East with a 15-15 record.
Date & Time: February 23, 2021, 7:30pm ET
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 9, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens yells to his players during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Preview | Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks arrive at this contest with mixed emotions. Their recent run of form has been very positive, but the recent developments around Kristaps Porzingis has been not. According to various sources, the Mavs have been encircling other teams for a trade package around him.
Even though Mark Cuban came forward to dismiss these rumours, there is still a circle of uncertainty around the Latvian big man. Anyways, they will have to put all of that behind them and concentrate on strengthening their Playoff push.
Porzingis did not feature in their win against Memphis Grizzlies. He was ruled out because of back soreness. One way to dispel all the doubts would be to return with aplomb against the Celtics. But with recent reports coming out, he has been ruled out along with Maxi Kleber.
As the Porzingis trade-talk smoke billows, I asked @mcuban about reports that Mavs have gauged @kporzee trade value.
"It's not accurate," he says. "We have not discussed him in a trade at all. Has not happened."
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 23, 2021
Starting 5 for the Dallas Mavericks
Guard – Luka Doncic
Guard – Josh Richardson
Center – Dwight Powell
Forward – Dorian Finney-Smith
Forward – Tim Hardaway Jr.
Preview | Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been in a rut lately. Out of their last 10 games, they have won only four. So, they need to overcome this alarming slump or even risk missing the Playoffs.
While Jaylen Brown has been on a tear this season, Jayson Tatum has not looked like his former self. Though in his defense, he is still working his way back after a lengthy layoff because of COVID. Maybe, this game is the perfect opportunity to return to his best.
The biggest disappointments this season so far have been the Celtics, Mavericks, and the Bucks. The Celtics lack size, the Mavericks are not a great defensive team, and the Bucks are slow and unathletic.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 23, 2021
Starting 5 for the Boston Celtics
Guard – Kemba Walker
Guard – Jaylen Brown
Center – Tristan Thompson
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Forward – Daniel Theis
Forward – Jayson Tatum
Predictions | Mavericks vs Celtics
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Taking their respective recent run of form into account, the Mavericks head into this one as the favorites. But only just as the Celtics are formidable opponents threatening to recapture their best form. The team which comes out of the block quickly will run away with the game.
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