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Jan 1, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) fight for the loose ball during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Jan 1, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) fight for the loose ball during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
A battle of two inconsistent teams struggling right now for form. While the Chicago Bulls admittedly ‘suck’, better things are expected of the Dallas Mavericks. After all, the Bulls don’t have an MVP candidate like Luka Doncic in their ranks.
Dallas Mavericks – Preview and Injury Updates
The biggest worry for the team from Texas is that their star player Doncic is listed as questionable for this game. He suffered a contusion in his quadriceps in the matchup against the Miami Heat. And to make matters worse, Kristaps Porziņģis is already ruled out.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
They haven’t done shit yet, according to coach Rick Carlisle. As they lie 11th in the table with a 2-3 losing record. So, they will need the Slovenian to shake off the injury and play through the pain barrier.
Dallas Mavericks – Predicted Starting 5
Guard – Josh Richardson
Guard – Luka Doncic
Center – Dwight Powell
Forward – Dorian Finney-Smith
Forward – Tim Hardaway Jr.
Cozy fam off to Chitown 🥶✈️ #MFFL pic.twitter.com/cFNJFBCtD0
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 2, 2021
While they had the most efficient offense last season, their defense has been keeping them in play this season. They are missing open looks right now and their 3-point shooting is in disarray. Though Luka has been the chief guilty party, others need to step up as well.
Chicago Bulls – Preview and Injury Updates
It is looking like another season where they look destined to miss the post-season. They have a 2-4 losing record with both their wins coming against the struggling Washington Wizards.
Their key cog, Lauri Markkanen, has been missing games due to the league’s health and safety protocols. But he is likely to be back for this game after undergoing the required quarantine period.
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CHICAGO, USA – FEBRUARY 15: Zach LaVine (8) of Chicago Bulls in action during the NBA basketball match between Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on February 15, 2018.
(Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls – Predicted Starting 5
Guard – Coby White
Guard – Zach LaVine
Center – Wendell Carter Jr.
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Forward – Lauri Markkanen
Forward – Patrick Williams
The key for them in this matchup will be Zach LaVine. Since they are hopeless on defense, expect them to fire on all cylinders on offense.
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Chicago Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks – Predictions
The Mavs have their noses ahead in this encounter, but only if Carlisle decides to play Luka. It is a game of significant magnitude for them as they need to build some momentum. And if they arrive in Chicago, all guns blazing, expect them to sweep the Bulls aside. They are the favorites for this matchup.
