In a season filled with challenges, the Dallas Mavericks (15-25) find themselves unexpectedly leading their season series against the Denver Nuggets (27-13) with a 2-0 record. As the Nuggets, currently the third-best team in the Western Conference, prepare to visit, the Mavericks sit 2.5 games out of the play-in tournament picture.
During their previous encounters, both teams were at full strength with three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and star guard Jamal Murray in the lineup. However, heading into this game, Murray is currently listed as questionable due to an ongoing left ankle sprain and an illness. He did manage to shine in the Nuggets’ latest victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring a game-high 35 points along with 9 assists. Jokic, however, is expected to be sidelined until February due to a hyperextended knee sustained on December 29, while Aaron Gordon’s status is still uncertain as he continues to recover from a hamstring strain.
The upcoming matchup on Wednesday night presents several intriguing storylines to follow as Dallas aims to secure two consecutive wins at home, with this being the second of four consecutive games at the American Airlines Center.
One major component to monitor is the Nuggets’ potent offense. The absence of Jokic has undoubtedly impacted their performance; the team went 23-9 prior to his injury but holds a 4-4 record since. Nonetheless, Denver remains competitive thanks to a roster filled with depth. Besides Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets feature several players contributing significantly to their scoring, including Aaron Gordon (averaging 18.4 points), Tim Hardaway Jr. (13.8 points), Peyton Watson (13.2 points), and Cam Johnson (11.7 points). Although Denver leads the league in scoring at 122.7 points per game and boasts an impressive 40.2% shooting from beyond the arc, the Mavericks, ranked 25th with a 34% three-point shooting rate, must improve in this area to keep pace with their opponents.
Defensively, Dallas needs to focus on minimizing the Nuggets’ three-point success, as their own struggles from deep have been detrimental. Coach Jason Kidd has been urging players like Max Christie, who ranks eighth in the league with a 45.9% shooting percentage from three, to increase their attempts, especially with a lack of inside presence.
Additionally, as the trade deadline approaches, the Mavericks are evaluating their roster with Daniel Gafford expected to be one of the players potentially on the move. With the injuries to key frontcourt players, Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse could see increased roles. Cisse has shown promise as an energy player, although his stats are modest so far. His performance against a depleted Nuggets frontcourt could be vital.
Lastly, rookie Cooper Flagg is another player to watch. Averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, he has been impressive in his inaugural season. However, he needs to improve his three-point shooting, currently at 29.3%. Recent improvements suggest he is trending upward, shooting 42% from beyond the arc in his last 10 games. Effective shooting from Flagg could prove crucial against Denver’s lengthy defenders.
Fans will want to tune in as the Mavericks look to extend their undefeated streak against the Nuggets. The game is set to tip off at 8:30 PM on ESPN, with additional streaming available on Peacock and NBA League Pass. Despite the unpredictability of their season, a victory against the Nuggets would not only boost the Mavericks’ morale but also provide a much-needed boost in their pursuit of a playoff position.