The Golden State Warriors will continue their playoff push in the final chapter of the season against the sixth-placed Dallas Mavericks. After a skid for the Portland Trail Blazers and impressive back-to-back wins over the Lakers, the Mavericks look like they can solidify a direct entry into the Playoffs. Meanwhile, GSW is hoping to stay in the play-in zone.
Despite the rumors of a possible return, Klay Thompson (Achilles) will most definitely sit the game out. Along with him, the Warriors will be without Eric Paschall (hip), Kent Bazemore (COVID), James Wiseman (knee), and Damion Lee (COVID).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, the Mavericks will also come into the game short-handed. They have Kristaps Porzingis (ankle), Josh Richardson (hamstring), and JJ Redick (heel) listed as game-time decisions. Tyrell Terry (personal reasons) is expected to most definitely be out for this matchup.
Both teams are in tough positions right now. Steph Curry is scoring at a historic rate, but his supporting cast has been letting him down. The same can be said for Luka Doncic in Dallas, who has seen inconsistency in their lineups due to injury. But the game is still going to count for a lot and both teams need a win here.
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks: Predicted lineups
The Mavericks will start with Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, Kristaps Porzingis, Dwight Powell, and Willie-Caulie Stein. The Warriors will take the floor with Stephen Curry, Mychal Mulder, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney.
Which team comes out on top?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The prediction for this game is hard. Both teams have been inconsistent. On a good day, both of them look like they could beat any team in the NBA. However, there are days where both teams struggle against inferior opposition. The Mavs are coming off a loss to the Sacramento Kings, and the Warriors lost their last game to the Miami Heat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Mavs look disconnected on the floor, no matter how Doncic plays. But the depleted Warriors are fully reliant on Curry to produce, while the Mavs still have the likes of Tim Hardaway Jr. to pick up the scoring slack. With Porzingis also possibly being available, it seems the Mavs may be taking this win.