USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks will host their New Year’s matchup against the Miami Heat. The two sides will lock horns at 7 PM ET on Friday night. Additionally, both sides have had an average start to the season.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Top Stories
While the Heat are 2-2 in their first 4 games, the Mavericks have won just 1 of their initial 4 games. The major reason behind this slow start for the Mavs is the absence of their second star Kristaps Porzingis. In his absence, too much burden is falling on the shoulders of Luka Doncic.
Can they turn their fortunes against the Heat? Well, first let’s take a look at the expected lineups and injury updates for both sides.
Miami Heat injury updates and predicted lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots beyond Orlando Magic guard Dwayne Bacon (8) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
After splitting the doubleheader against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat proved once again how great their team is. In fact, they did it without their superstar Jimmy Butler. Speaking of Butler, he traveled with the team to Dallas. But as of now, he is listed probable for the game.
Jimmy Butler is traveling with Heat to Dallas. He has missed the past two games with a sprained right ankle.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 31, 2020
Along with Butler, Gabe Vincent and Kelly Olynyk are also listed probable in the recent injury report. Keeping the injuries in mind, the expected lineup for the Miami Heat is Avery Bradley (G), Tyler Herro (G), Duncan Robinson (F), Andre Iguodala (F), and Bam Adebayo (C).
Dallas Mavericks injury updates and predicted lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns center Deaandre Ayton (22) in the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks’ fans will be happy to hear that star-forward Kristaps Porzingis will most likely return for their game against the Heat. According to their head coach Rick Carlisle, the Latvian had a great practice session, meaning he shouldn’t be sidelined for the Friday night matchup.
Kristaps Porzingis was "a full go" in the Mavericks' practice today, Rick Carlisle said.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 29, 2020
Apart from Porzingis, there is no new injury update for the Mavs. So their lineup should look like Luka Doncic (G), Josh Richardson (G), Tim Hardaway Jr. (F), Kristaps Porzingis (F), and Dwight Powell (C).
Game prediction
Both the sides are expected to be at their 100% on Friday night with their stars returning from injuries. However, Porzingis will most likely be on minute restrictions to avoid re-injuring himself. Considering that, the Miami Heat should take the dub in this clash.
