The Mavericks are hoping to avoid a letdown after their heartbreaking loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers as they face off against the Toronto Raptors tonight. The loss has put them in 8th place in the West, making every game critical. While every loss feels like a punch to the gut, it ensures high-quality basketball during a time when most teams are simply playing out the season. Fans live and die with every possession, shot, win, or loss. Thankfully, there’s another game tonight, offering another opportunity for joy.
Here are three things to watch for during the game:
1. Will Kidd keep his foot on the gas? As of 9:30 am CST, there are no announcements regarding who will play in tonight’s game. The West is unrelenting, and a three-game skid could have long-term ramifications. We’ll see what Kidd decides as tip-off approaches.
2. More P.J. Washington/Derrick Jones Jr. lineups, please. Washington and Jones Jr.’s minutes together last night looked positive. Their length and athleticism make the defense more formidable, and moving forward, this shouldn’t be an either/or situation.
3. Non-Luka minutes. Kidd needs to manage the minutes in which Luka Doncic is sitting better. One approach could be to slow the game down and limit the number of possessions for each side. Kidd needs to find ways to get Doncic more rest in the game.
The game will begin at 6:30 pm and will be broadcast on Bally Sports SW.
