The Toronto Raptors are back in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto is coming off an embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, losing 129-92.
Now, they have to shift their focus to another good Western Conference team in the Mavericks. Dallas recently got Luka Doncic back on Dec. 1.
The Mavericks handled the Washington Wizards on Thursday, 137-101 as Doncic put up a triple-double. He put up 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on 7-for-17 shooting from the field and 3-for-10 shooting from three.
As of late, the Mavericks’ supporting cast has been extremely impressive with Daniel Gafford, Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes stepping up.
Most cases in today’s NBA is containing the three-point line and Dallas is a good three-point shooting team.
So, making sure Doncic does not see a couple of three-pointers go in early, along with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson is key.
However, Toronto may be short handed as Davion Mitchell was added to the injury report with right hip stiffness. In addition to Jakob Poeltl who is dealing with illness.
Bruce Brown and Immanuel Quickley remain out. But, for the first time this season, Kelly Olynyk is listed as questionable. He has been dealing with a lingering back issue.
For Dallas, they remain without Dante Exum who had wrist surgery and Naji Marshall, who is dealing with an upper respiratory infection. Now, Jaden Hardy is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury.
If Poeltl is not able to go, that puts more pressure on Olynyk to suit up. Outside of Poeltl there is no one that can replace his production on both sides of the floor.
Expect more of an offensive workload from Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett in hopes of keeping this one close.
Dallas Mavericks (15-8) vs. Toronto Raptors (7-16)
7:30 p.m. EST, Saturday, December 7, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Mavericks Starting Lineup:
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Luka Doncic
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: P.J. Washington
C: Dereck Lively II
Key Reserves: Quentin Grimes, Spencer Dinwiddie, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Scottie Barnes
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Bruno Fernando
Key Reserves: Jonathan Mogbo, Chris Boucher, Jamison Battle
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