The Pacers are perhaps the only other team in the league right now who can sympathize with what Dallas is dealing with. Although not quite as beset by injury as the Mavs, to the point of having to forfeit games, the Pacers are missing four of their starting five. Still, the short-handed Pacers are coming off a valiant, come-from-behind overtime victory against the Timberwolves as they vie for homecourt in the playoffs, motivated by being neck-and-neck with Milwaukee.
What happens when a motivated post-season contender hosts Dallas? Well.
Just let it be a surprise
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Why bother even trying to figure out who Dallas’ starting five is anymore? Between injuries and expiring two-way contracts, the availability of anybody in a Maverick jersey is equal parts ephemeral and inconsequential.
Just let it be like a bag of Skittles - you don’t need to pick out individual Skittles to eat. You just dump a bunch into your hand, eat them, and then be, like “yep, that’s candy.” Same with Dallas. Just roll five dudes out there and be, like, “yep, that’s a basketball team.”
Hi Rick
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Dallas’ former coach is on a three-game winning streak against his former team. His tenure in Dallas is highlighted by the 2011 Championship, but on the whole, there was always a sense that the Mavericks were able to get the most out of whoever was suiting up. That’s what Carlisle is doing now with the Pacers.
Can Jason Kidd do the same? No, probably not. Well, anyway, Carlisle is 9-10 all-time against Dallas as a coach, so this is his opportunity to get to .500!
Last game before fun basketball is back
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After this game, fans should be able to breathe a sigh of relief – the worst will be over, and finally, basketball will be fun again. Because the Mavericks are going to turn things around and finish strong, endearing them to a jilted fan base? No, obviously not. The NCAA March Madness tournament starts in earnest on Thursday! Fill those brackets out! Fall in love with some players who might be available around pick 13! Explore new ways to humiliate Nico Harrison and Patrick Dumont when they trade that pick away in an effort to salvage an unmitigated disaster of their own making!
How to watch
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You can broadcast or stream the game on NBAtv, Channel 29, or MavsTV at 6:00