Dallas will host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently lead the Western Conference, this Sunday in what will be the Mavericks’ last home game before embarking on a challenging stretch of eight away games over nine encounters.
The Thunder come into the match on the heels of a hard-fought overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, while the Mavericks are also coming off a significant game against the Memphis Grizzlies, leaving both teams pleased with their recent performances. Oklahoma City has had the upper hand in their previous meetings, having defeated Dallas twice this season, including a decisive 21-point win earlier in December.
While Dallas isn’t vying for a championship title this season, the emergence of rookie Cooper Flagg, despite being sidelined since the All-Star break with a foot injury, adds intrigue for Mavs fans. He remains a game-time decision for the matchup. With Flagg and Derek Lively out for the season, Mavs supporters are left hoping for contributions from the younger players who recently returned, such as Ryan Nembhard and possibly Marvin Bagley, contingent upon the organization’s plans for him.
For the Thunder, their recent 6-4 record over the last ten games signals a minor struggle, but analysis reveals their performance remains consistent regardless of the game’s outcome. The team’s field goal attempts and rebounds show little fluctuation whether in a win or a loss. The key difference is that in victories, the Thunder tend to take fewer three-point shots while shooting approximately 8% better overall. This suggests that taking advantage of off shooting nights may be crucial for teams trying to secure a win against Oklahoma City.
On the Mavericks’ side, Dwight Powell continues to be a fan favorite. Beginning as a trade throw-in, he has transformed into a reliable and efficient contributor over the years. Powell’s offensive efficiency has significantly improved since scaling back his three-point attempts after the 2018-19 season. He has become a staple of the team by embracing his role and remaining focused on team success. Fans are eager to see Powell take more shots, fostering hope that he could break his own record for three-point attempts in a single game.
Fans can catch this pivotal matchup at 7:00 p.m. on KFAA Channel 29 or MAVS TV, with audio coverage available on 97.1 FM KEGL in English and 99.1 FM KFZO in Spanish. This game promises to deliver excitement, showcasing the talent of both rosters as they gear up for the stretch run.