5 Questions Ahead of Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic hosts the Dallas Mavericks tonight at the Amway Center.

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is preparing to face off against a Western Conference powerhouse in the Dallas Mavericks tonight at the Amway Center.

To learn more about the Magic's opponent, we spoke with DallasBasketball.com insider Grant Afseth.

1. The Mavericks started off the season 4-0, but saw their perfect record smashed at the hands of the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the In-Season Tournament opener. What’s the reason behind their hot start?

Aside from Luka Doncic having another dynamic start to the season, the Mavs have been a hot perimeter shooting team on a high volume. They enter Monday’s game with Doncic, Grant Williams, and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the top 20 in 3-point makes per game. With a defensive anchor like rookie Dereck Lively II to do the dirty work, they’ve had a successful combination of factors going their way despite an injury Kyrie Irving. 

2. If the Mavs win Monday, what would be the reason why?

It’ll depend on the status of their superstars considering it’ll be the second night of a back-to-back for the Mavs. If they play, that’d go a long way. A significant factor will be their perimeter shooting execution regardless. They are a team that tends to live and die by 3-point shooting, which becomes even more so the case if a superstar doesn’t play. 

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and forward Franz Wagner (22) defend during the second half at Amway Center / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. What’s one thing people should know about the Mavericks that they couldn’t find in a box score?

Beyond the box score, the Mavs have a lot of new pieces and are working on still establishing chemistry. With a rookie center and plenty of changes to their rotation, they’ve handled it well although they’ve faced weaker opponents to begin the season. Most teams tend to struggle early after international preseason competition, but despite a 12-day trip with stops in Abu Dhabi and Madrid, they’ve started 5-1. However, their away-home, away-home, and away-home structure for a structure flowing into a back-to-back will be a major test. 

4. What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing?

I’m looking forward to the Mavs handling both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They struggled with Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. in the loss to the Nuggets, often with a lack of size on the wing being a factor. How they handle Orlando’s bigger perimeter players will be intriguing to see. 

5. What's your prediction for Monday’s game?

If Doncic and Irving both play, my prediction is for the Mavs to win. If one of them is sidelined, my prediction leans toward the Magic.