Following a 128-113 loss to the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks (35-38, 11th in Western Conference) continue their road trip out east against the Orlando Magic (35-38). Orlando, winners of four out of their last five contests, are coming off a fantastic sweep of a back-to-back, with wins over Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets. The Mavericks, meanwhile, just split the New York City back-to-back. This will be both Orlando’s and Dallas’ third game in four days.
Earlier this season, the Mavs defeated the Magic 108-85. However, Paolo Banchero did not play in that game and the Magic were just beginning their major injury stretch with both Paolo and Franz Wagner missing time with torn obliques. This time, Dallas will likely not be so fortunate. Let’s get into the preview.
Paolo’s proficiency
It hasn’t been the smoothest season for Banchero, who missed a couple months after tearing his oblique early on this season. Even once he came back, it took he and the team a while to get rolling. However, recently Banchero is returning to form. Over his last 20 games, Paolo is averaging 28.9 points, 7.3 boards and 4.5 assists per contest with shooting splits of 47/36/81. That’s elite production! Against a depleted Mavs front line, even with Anthony Davis back, Banchero is set up to flourish.
Los Angeles Lakers v Orlando Magic Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images
Only Franz
Franz Wagner at one point was viewed as someone who could be even better than the afore mentioned Banchero. However, the 3-point shot hasn’t cooperated since his rookie year and that potential hasn’t quite been realized. Even with that, Wagner is back to his productive self, averaging over 23 points per game in his last 20. Orlando, even with the poor record, can be as dangerous as anyone whenever those two guys produce. Here lately, they have, and the Magic are.
Orlando Magic v Charlotte Hornets Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
Something must give
The Mavericks, despite the front office’s best plans, are not good at defense. In their last 15 games, the Mavericks defensive rating ranks 27th in the NBA, giving up 121.3 points per 100 possessions. Orlando, meanwhile, is scoring just 113.1 points per 100 possessions in that same time, which is 23rd in the league. The beautiful thing about this industry is that they keep score, so we’ll find out over time whether or not the Mavericks prevail.
How to watch
Tipoff is set for 6:00p CT from Orlando. The game will be televised nationally on NBA TV (Turner Sports, the parent company for TNT, is carrying the Sweet 16 games in the NCAA Tournament tomorrow, therefore they will not have their usual Thursday night TNT games.). Do not fear, the local broadcast will be available on KFAA Channel 29 or Mavs TV.