Mavs vs. Spurs Preview: Dallas Seeks Resurgence During 6-Game Homestand
"Viva Mexico," once uttered by Luka Doncic during an NBA game hosted by Mexico amid the 2019-2020 season, comes to mind following what was considered by many as being a dud of an All-Star weekend.
Thankfully, for the Dallas Mavericks, their cornerstone superstar finally found some rest during a taxing 82-game season. Seemingly already on vacation before even checking his bags for his flight to Mexico, the All-Star game showcased the effects of fatigue on No. 77. Now, with ample rest, the Mavs face the lottery-bound San Antonio Spurs on the first of six consecutive home games.
Following a three-game losing streak heading into All-Star weekend, the Mavericks can't afford further slippage as their rival, the Phoenix Suns, loaded up with landscape-shifting trade for Kevin Durant. Although Dallas' recent track record prevents it from gaining the benefit of the doubt, the Spurs are as "easy" of an opponent the league could provide after an eight-day break.
Maxi Kleber (right hamstring tear) and Davis Bartans (left calf strain) are listed as out by the official NBA injury report. Kleber initially thought he'd be back immediately after the All-Star break, but he apparently still has more recovering to do.
Kyrie Irving and Doncic produced positive basketball in a small, two-game sample size, but the win-loss stat remains the most critiqued aspect of the duo (0-2). Chemistry doesn't happen overnight, and that showed with the Doncic-Irving backcourt at the end of the two games they played together. However, as the 14-45 record Spurs arrive in Dallas, the Mavs have another shot at tying up their loose ends chemistry-wise ... and perhaps it can ignite a special run to end the season.
FUN FACT: Despite the Spurs holding the all-time advantage over the Mavs, with a 114-78 record, Dallas won its previous five contests over San Antonio. Times have indeed changed for this Texas rivalry.
MAVS STEP BACK PREVIEW POD:
RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (31-29, San Antonio Spurs (14-45)
WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 7:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: American Airlines Center, (Dallas, TX)
TV: Bally Sports Southwest, NBA League Pass
RADIO: 97.1 The Freak
ODDS: The Mavericks are a 14-point favorite over the Spurs.
NEXT UP: The Mavs host the Los Angeles Lakers at 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, February 26.
FINAL WORD: Past the critiques regarding Doncic's All-Star efforts and Irving's opinions on load management, the Mavericks have a grand opportunity to address both issues head-on during their six-game homestand. Following an eight-day hiatus from legitimate basketball, at home, with no back-to-back games scheduled, there is no room for excuses.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here.
