Mavs vs. (Non-Road) Warriors Preview: Standings Showdown, Luka Doncic Injury Upgrade

The Dallas Mavericks host the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. As the Warriors struggle playing on the road, perhaps the Mavs will take advantage of the defending champions.

DALLAS - With the stench of the abysmal fourth-quarter performance lingering from Monday in Memphis, the Dallas Mavericks need to air out their past mistakes for their fans at the American Airlines Center. Who else better to take out their frustrations on than the Golden State Warriors, who - despite their title pedigree - have a lousy 8-29 record on the road? 

Unfortunately for Dallas, with injuries could erase that advantage. Kyrie Irving was last seen in a walking boot after Monday’s wrestling match against Memphis Grizzlies antagonist Dillon Brooks. And Luka Doncic, having missed the past six games due to a thigh strain, can only hope for coming good news.

In a tight Western Conference playoff race, the Mavs need every win after squandering away so many chances. Wednesday’s ESPN-televised matchup vs. the Warriors is the rubber-match tiebreaker as the two teams split the first two games. 

Road record be damned, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s on-court presence nearly negate their team’s pitiful performance away from San Francisco.   

Curry is on a mission as in Golden State’s last 10 games, the 2022 Finals MVP registered a remarkable 67.1 true shooting mark. He’s shooting 41.9 percent on above-the-break three-point shots and converts 72.8 percent of his shots in the restricted area.

The Mavs’ best chance at winning comes from Golden State’s reckless behavior with the ball. In the last 10 games, the Warriors averaged 16.6 turnovers per.

Mavericks vs. Warriors Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

• Luka Doncic (PROBABLE - thigh)
• Kyrie Irving (QUESTIONABLE - foot)
• Markieff Morris (QUESTIONABLE - knee)

Golden State Warriors

• Andre Iguodala (OUT - wrist)
• Gary Payton ll (OUT - adductor)
• Andrew Wiggins (OUT - personal)
• Ryan Rollins (OUT - foot)
• Draymond Green (PROBABLE - wrist)
• Kevon Looney -PROBABLE - back

RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (36-36), Golden State Warriors (37-36)

WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. CT

WHERE: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)

TV: ESPN, Bally Sports Southwest

RADIO: 97.1 The Freak

ODDS: The Warriors are favored by 2.5 points over the Mavs.

NEXT UP: The Mavs host the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center on Friday, Mar. 24.

FINAL WORD: Regardless of how the media views Irving, the players have a certain respect for his style and approach to the game. Brooks spoke highly of Irving after Monday's contest. 

“He’s just like Kobe. He’s just like Jordan and those guys,” Brooks said. “He plays the game at a different pace. He uses both hands, mid-range God ...''

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