Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks - prediction, team news, form guide
Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks - prediction, team news, form guide
Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks - prediction, team news, form guide
Fresh from snapping a run of consecutive defeats last time out, the Dallas Mavericks will continue their playoff pursuit in the 2024-25 NBA campaign with a meeting against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
This weekend's encounter is the first of two meetings within a four-day span between the sides, who will conclude their duel for the season on Thursday.
Match preview
© Imago
After resuming from the All-Star hiatus with a 111-103 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans to make it three wins on the spin, the Mavericks saw their momentum take a huge hit courtesy of back-to-back losses against fellow heavyweights the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In need of a morale-boosting victory, Jason Kidd's men welcomed the Charlotte Hornets to the American Airlines Center on Friday and delivered a perfect response to recent adversity, claiming a comprehensive 103-96 triumph.
Heading into the interval up by one, the Mavericks knew a fast start to the third quarter was needed, and they obliged to go into the final 12 minutes with a six-point advantage which proved to be unassailable.
Due to the continued absence of Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving has continued to shoulder the majority of the offensive burden, as he notched 25 points, although he had significant help this time around from Moses Brown, who recorded his highest points tally in an NBA game for almost four years with 20.
Following the resurgence of a couple of teams in and around them, the Mavericks have dropped down to ninth place in the Western Conference standings despite having played the most games in the entire division.
Off the back of four straight wins in front of their fans prior to Sunday's affair, the home side will need to continue getting the job done in front of their fans to stand their best chance of making it through to the postseason.
© Imago
In a clash between two former NBA champions, the Milwaukee Bucks (2021) recorded an impressive 121-112 victory over the Denver Nuggets (2023) in Friday's matchup between the sides at the Fiserv Forum.
A highly pulsating first half ended with Doc Rivers's men behind by three points before they rallied in the final two quarters to overturn the deficit and edge a thrilling contest that saw several lead changes.
There are no prizes for guessing the leader of the onslaught, as Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 28 points and seven assists along with a season-high 19 rebounds despite not being back to full speed following his recent recovery from a calf problem.
Now four wins clear of seventh-place Orlando Magic, who have played two extra games, the Bucks are starting to pull away in the race for automatic playoff qualification but remain embroiled in a battle with the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons to finish fourth.
Having won five of their final six games to close out February on a hot streak, Sunday's visitors will be keen to keep the juggernaut rolling with yet another victory on the road ahead of clashes against the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic.
- W
- W
- W
- L
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- L
- W
Team News
© Imago
Anthony Davis and Caleb Martin are still out of action with groin and hip injuries respectively, although the latter is relatively closer to a return to action.
After sustaining a knee problem against the Sacramento Kings just before the break, Daniel Gafford has joined fellow center Dereck Lively on the hosts' injury list, but Dwight Powell is back and available for selection.
PJ Washington is being evaluated on a daily basis to determine his readiness for Sunday's game as he continues to recuperate from an ankle issue.
Pat Connaughton is set to miss out here due to a calf issue he picked up in the Milwaukee Bucks' first game back from the All-Star break versus the Washington Wizards.
Recording his 40th double-double of the campaign last time out, Giannis Antetokounmpo now ranks fourth in that category this term behind Domantas Sabonis (50), Nikola Jokic (45) and Karl-Anthony Towns (43).
Dallas Mavericks possible starting five:
Irving, Christie; Thompson, Marshall; Brown
  Â
Milwaukee Bucks possible starting five:
Lillard, Prince; Kuzma, Antetokounmpo; Lopez
What's Your Reaction?
