Game Preview: Dallas Mavs vs. Portland Trail Blazers; 3 Consecutive Triple-Doubles for Luka Doncic?

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are in Portland to face the depleted Trail Blazers. Can Doncic put on an encore performance after going for 40/10/11 just two days ago?

The Dallas Mavericks begin a two-game road trip starting tonight in Portland against an injury-riddled, young Trail Blazers squad that will be playing without Jerami Grant (out) and possibly Deandre Ayton (doubtful) and Malcolm Brogdon (questionable). 

Highly-touted rookie guard Scoot Henderson, the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, will most likely line up against future Hall-of-Famer Kyrie Irving for the first time in his young career. Alongside Henderson in the Blazers' backcourt will be the Mavs' main defensive focus – Anfernee Simons.

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks head to Portland to face the much-depleted Trail Blazers following a Doncic 40/10/11 game just two days ago / Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Simons, who returned to the Trail Blazers' lineup in Wednesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors after missing over six weeks with a thumb injury, scored 28 points, shooting 6-13 from the field.

As for Luka Doncic and Irving, they come off a contest where they combined for 66 points and shot over 50 percent. Doncic also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 11 assists in the Mavs' 50-point blowout over the Utah Jazz. Doncic has not scored under 30 points in a game since November 11, so expect another big game from the four-time All-NBA First Teamer with Portland lacking rim protection.

After notching two consecutive triple-doubles, passing Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird on the league's all-time list, could Doncic make it three in a row in Portland? We certainly wouldn't put it past him.

Injury Report:

Dallas Mavericks:

• Josh Green (OUT- Elbow)
• Maxi Kleber (OUT- Toe)
• Grant Williams (OUT- Knee)
• Greg Brown III (OUT- G-League Two-Way)
• Dexter Dennis (OUT- G-League Two-Way)

Portland Trail Blazers:

• Deandre Ayton (DOUBTFUL- Knee)
• Malcolm Brogdon (QUESTIONABLE- Knee)
• Jerami Grant (OUT- Concussion)
• Ish Wainwright (OUT- Knee)
• Robert Williams III (OUT- Knee)
• Ibou Badji (OUT- G-League Two-Way)
• Moses Brown (OUT- G-League Two-Way)
• Justin Minaya (OUT- G-League Two-Way)
• Rayan Rupert (OUT- G-League Two-Way)

Records: Dallas Mavericks (12-8), Portland Trail Blazers (6-14)

Where: Moda Center (Portland, OR)

When: Friday, December 8, 2023, at 9:00PM CT

TV: NBA League Pass

Radio: 97.1 The Freak

Odds: Mavericks -7.5

Next Up: The Mavericks travel back down south to Grind City to face the Memphis Grizzlies (1-8 at FedExForum this season), led by Desmond Bane. This is a game the Mavs will be eager to win after dropping their first game against the Grizzlies at home on Dec. 1 when Doncic missed the game due to the birth of his daughter.

Final Word: "I think the character and the bounce back has been good," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said after Wednesday's win over the Jazz. "I think we're starting to see, with injuries, different guys being able to step up and play a different role."