The Dallas Mavericks (12-22) will face off against the Philadelphia 76ers (17-14) this Thursday evening, kicking off the new year with high hopes at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks are eager to bounce back after a frustrating loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where they fell behind early and struggled to recover. Meanwhile, the 76ers come off a thrilling overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, showcasing their resilience in a tough matchup.
As the teams prepare for tip-off at 7:30 p.m. CST, fans will want to be aware of key player statuses. The Mavericks have a relatively clean injury report but will be without Dereck Lively, Kyrie Irving, and Dante Exum. D’Angelo Russell is set to miss the game due to illness, while Anthony Davis is not on the report, which is positive news for the Mavericks’ lineup. For the Sixers, Kelly Oubre and Trendon Watford will not play, but Joel Embiid is listed as probable, surprising some fans given his recent performance.
The betting odds show the Sixers as slight favorites, but the close margins suggest an even matchup. Mavericks fans are optimistic, believing that their team’s relative health will give them an edge, especially as they tackle the challenges presented by Embiid, who has been criticized for his recent play. The Mavericks have an opportunity to prove their worth and end their losing streak, making this match highly anticipated.
Fans can also join the discussion post-game on Pod Maverick, where Josh and co-hosts will share their thoughts live on YouTube. With excitement surrounding the Mavericks as they enter the new year, there is hope that they can turn their season around with a strong performance against the 76ers.