Mavericks Looking to Rebound in Upcoming Homestand
The Dallas Mavericks, currently holding a 19-15 record, are looking to capitalize on their upcoming seven-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers' season has been less than stellar, with a disappointing 9-23 record thus far. As the teams prepare to face off, the Mavericks are predicted to have a significant advantage, entering the game as 11-point favorites.
Western Conference Standings
Dallas finds itself in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference, sitting at seventh place. Despite an early-season surge that saw them begin with a 4-1 home game record, the Mavericks have recently stumbled on their own court, posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 home games. This stretch included a particularly rough outing against the Utah Jazz, where Dallas managed only 11 points in the fourth quarter, culminating in a lopsided 127-90 defeat.
Three-Point Struggles and Doncic's Performance
In their loss to Utah, the Mavericks' three-point shooting was notably off the mark, with the team making just 11 out of 40 attempts from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic, who has been a beacon of excellence for Dallas with averages of 33.4 points and 9.4 assists per game, also struggled in this regard, going 3-for-13 on three-pointers. However, the Mavericks will look to their star player to bounce back and lead them to victory against Portland.
Dallas Dominance Over Portland
History is on the side of the Mavericks, as they have won eight of the last 10 games against the Trail Blazers since 2021. Moreover, Dallas has already claimed two victories over Portland this season, with an impressive average of 128 points in those wins. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have been on a downward spiral, losing 11 of their last 14 games, including a 109-88 setback against the Phoenix Suns.
Trail Blazers' Recent Struggles
Portland's recent performance has raised concerns, especially after being significantly outscored in the second and third quarters by the Suns, with a combined score of 66-32. Their away game record stands at a concerning 12-16, and the absence of Anfernee Simons due to illness has certainly not helped matters. Furthermore, Deandre Ayton's unavailability because of a knee injury adds to the team's challenges.
Despite these setbacks, Scoot Henderson has been a bright spot for Portland, scoring in double figures for five consecutive games. Alongside Henderson, Jerami Grant added 15 points against the Suns, while Malcolm Brogdon contributed 10 points and five assists. The Trail Blazers will need all hands on deck to improve upon their dismal record and make a push in the latter half of the season.
Coaches' Perspectives
Reflecting on the Mavericks' recent defeat, head coach Jason Frederick Kidd did not mince words. "[Utah] was at full speed, we were at half speed," he stated. Kidd emphasized the lack of energy and communication within the team, taking personal responsibility for the performance but also stressing the need for collective improvement.
On the opposing bench, Trail Blazers' coach Chauncey Billups remained resolute despite the team's struggles. He acknowledged a strong start in their recent game but lamented the turnovers and subsequent loss of momentum. "I don't make excuses,” said Billups. “No matter who's out there, it's an NBA player and someone who deserves to be here." His comments highlight his belief in his players' abilities and the expectation that they perform regardless of circumstances.
As both teams gear up for their next encounter, the Mavericks hope to leverage their home court advantage and recent dominance over the Trail Blazers to climb higher in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, Portland aims to overcome its adversities and prove that they can compete with the resilience expected of an NBA team. With pivotal games ahead, the remainder of the season holds much in store for both squads.