Magic vs. Mavericks: 5 Questions Ahead of Monday's Matchup
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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are recovering quickly after last night's win against the Phoenix Suns and traveling to the Lone Star State for a game this evening with the Dallas Mavericks.
To learn more about the Mavs, we spoke with DallasBasketball.com editor-in-chief Dalton Trigg.
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1. The Mavs are without Kyrie Irving tonight. How does the game change when it's just Luka Doncic out there?
Obviously Doncic has a lot more offensive responsibility on his shoulders when Irving is out. He’s able to manage that well, as we saw over the weekend when he became the first player in NBA history to average a 50-point triple-double over a two-game span, including a 73-point outburst against the Atlanta Hawks. However, Doncic’s uptick in minutes played is concerning for a team that needs him as fresh as possible come playoff time.
2. If the Mavs win tonight, what would be the reason why?
Three reasons: 1) The Mavs will be eager to bounce back into the win column after failing to climb back from a 23-point deficit against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. 2) The Magic are on a second night of a back-to-back. 3) It’s “Seats For Soldiers” night at American Airlines Center, and the Mavs have a 13-2 all-time record on this night.
3. What’s one thing people should know about the Mavs that they couldn’t find in a box score?
The Mavs’ 25-21 record isn’t a good indicator of their potential. They’ve endured several unfortunate injuries to key players this season. It seems as if someone else goes down as soon as a player comes back. That 8-2 start to the season was important, because the Mavs would be below .500 right now if it wasn’t for coming out of the gates hot.
4. What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing?
Doncic vs. Banchero. Doncic has been on a tear, but tonight will be his third game in four nights. I assume Banchero will also have heavy legs being on the second night of a back-to-back, so it will be interesting to see who wins the battle of attrition between the two stars.
5. What's your prediction for tonight's game?
With how the Mavs have played recently — they’ve lost six of their last nine games — everything in me is saying to pick the Magic tonight … but I’m going with Dallas in a close one. The Mavs have a three-game slate coming up against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, so taking care of business at home against a tired opponent will be crucial.
