The Dallas Mavericks started 2021 in thunderous form as they won 5 games in a row. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to maintain that form and have lost 4 games in a row. The Mavs now have 11 losses and find themselves as the 13th seed in the Western Conference.
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The Phoenix Suns finally snapped their 3-game losing streak with a win against the Warriors. The Suns now are the 7th seed in the Western Conference with 9 victories and 8 defeats.
The Mavericks face off against the Suns tonight at 9:00 PM EST. Let’s take a look at the injury reports and the probable lineups of the teams.
Dallas Mavericks injury updates and expected lineup
The Dallas Mavericks’ disappointing losing streak continued as they lost their 4th straight game, as they were defeated by the Utah Jazz 120-101.
Their center and second star Kristaps Porzingis has seen a slow start in the first 9 games he has played. He has averaged 18.6 points, 0.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 25, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shiits as Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Mavericks do not have some minor injury concerns going into the next game. Forward Maxi Kleber is out with NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocol.
The Mavs will hope that both the superstars Luka Doncic and Porzingis can step up and make a much-needed comeback against the Suns.
Predicted Lineup
Jalen Brunson (G)
Luka Doncic (G)
Dorian Finney-Smith (F)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (F)
Kristaps Porzingis (C)
Phoenix Suns injury updates and expected lineups
The Suns finally broke their three-game losing streak as they decimated the Warriors 114-93. They now are the 7th seed in the Western Conference with 9 wins and 8 losses.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Deandre Ayton (22) and forward Jae Crowder (99) react following a fourth quarter time out against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns have some major injury concerns as Devin Booker is out with a hamstring injury and forward Dario Saric is out with COVID-19. Guard Cameron Payne is out with a foot injury, while center Damian Jones is out with health and safety protocols.
The Suns will hope that they can replicate their last game’s performance against the Mavericks.
Predicted Lineup
Chris Paul (G)
Mikal Bridges (G)
Jae Crowder (F)
Cameron Johnson (F)
DeAndre Ayton (F)
Predictions
The Suns are facing off against a fully fit Mavericks side. The Mavs might be in a slump right now, but given Luka Doncic’s form, the Mavs might have an edge over the Suns.