The Mavericks are currently 33-27, and coming off a loss to the awful Sacramento Kings, need a win in San Francisco tonight. The Mavs are the sixth seed and have dropped as of late, and if they want a deep playoff run need to get up to at least the fifth seed. The Warriors are fighting for their lives, currently at 31-30 and tenth seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors are on a two game winning streak, something that needs to be ended by Luka tonight. The Mavs have four players listed as out for tonight, including Josh Richardson, JJ Redick, Kristaps Porzingis and Tyrell Terry. The Warriors also have four players out (not including Klay Thompson) including Eric Paschall, Kent Bazemore, Damion Lee and James Wiseman. With both teams battling injuries to big players, this will be a dog fight by all means. The three keys to win are stopping Steph Curry, Luka needs to go off, and we need to capitalize on their injuries.
Steph Curry has been on an absolute tear as of late, averaging 31.3 points per game in 34.1 minutes per game, scoring 37 points just two nights ago. Curry has been getting MVP recognition, and having Luka on him all game is huge because he has potential to stop Curry. Curry and Luka can have a battle, but Luka must come out on top. Luka is averaging career numbers, averaging 28.4 points per game, 8 rebounds per game, and 8.7 assists, crazy numbers for a player only in their third year. Luka having a thirty point performance would be crucial, but to seal the deal he needs to have a triple double to get this win. Besides that, the Warriors have gaping holes due to their injuries, one being their center position. While KP is out for the game, having players like Boban, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dwight Powell and more playing big minutes is huge for a mismatch of a game based on positions. With Curry having one of his best seasons and best months of any shooter ever, a win over him is easier said than done, but I expect a six point win over the Warriors tonight. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM EST tonight, hope you enjoyed reading, Shaney out.
TheDyspatch 