Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks (39-25) currently rank 7th in the Western Conference standings, leading the 8th place Memphis Grizzlies by 7 wins. The Dallas team has won 7 of their last 10 games, averaging 116 points per game. The Dallas Mavericks have also won 4 consecutive home games and will be aiming for their 5th straight home victory in this match.
With the team's top scorer Luka Dončič (28.4 pts, 8.7 assists) dealing with minor injuries that caused him to miss some games, the Mavericks' performance started to falter, resulting in their current 7th place in the conference. Before Dončič's injury, the Mavericks were ranked 4-5, but now that the entire team is ready to play again, it's very likely that the Mavericks will fight for better positions.
The biggest advantage for the Mavericks is that they have a clearly defined leader who can not only take the initiative when needed but also create opportunities for his teammates. K. Porzingis, who missed the season due to injury, struggled a bit at the beginning of this season but is gradually getting back into the game and becoming a serious threat to opponents in every match. Thus, the Mavericks with this duo are a dangerous opponent for anyone, but this is only part of the team's strength. The Dallas Mavericks' bench is one of the deepest in the league, with 4-5 players who can come off the bench and help decide the game.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers (38-25) currently rank 5th in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing the 4th place Philadelphia 76ers by 2 wins. This Pacers season has been very inconsistent, partly due to the return of the team's nominal leader V. Oladipo after a serious injury. Without him, the Pacers started the season well and were in the top four of the Eastern Conference, but after Oladipo's return, a rough patch followed with loss after loss. This is somewhat understandable, as Oladipo's return disrupted the rotation of other team players, and it took time to get back in sync. Nevertheless, they managed to do so, and the Pacers are currently enjoying 7 wins in their last 9 games, demonstrating excellent team form.
It's also pleasing that with V. Oladipo's return to the lineup, D. Sabonis has not lost his role. He remains a key player for the team, with plays built around his court vision and individual skills in every attack. Sabonis averages 18.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, and maintaining such statistics could lead to a solid contract in the future.
Players Missing This Match
Indiana Pacers: J. Lamb (OUT), M. Brogdon (OUT), D. McDermott (GTD), V. Oladipo (GTD), T.J. Warren (GTD);
Dallas Mavericks: D. Powell (OUT), J. Brunson (OUT), S. Curry (OUT), T. Hardaway (GTD).
Prediction
Both teams have been improving their form recently, but the Mavericks are considered clear favorites for this match by bookmakers. Although Dončič has returned to the Mavericks' rotation, it would be hard to expect the Mavericks to crush the Pacers, who play quite solidly on the road. This match should be competitive until the last minute, so every additional point in the offered advantage gains value.
