Mavs vs. 76ers Preview: Will Doncic, Irving Get Things Rolling on National TV?

The Dallas Mavericks host the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday in a nationally televised game on TNT. Following another tough loss, Dallas seeks to salvage its homestand as Luka Doncic continues to struggle in late-game situations.

The Dallas Mavericks' situation becomes much more delicate with every loss. The Mavs have a 3-5 record since the Kyrie Irving trade, with the only win with both Irving and Luka Doncic in the rotation coming against the Victor Wembanyama-hopeful San Antonio Spurs. Now, against a championship-contending Philadelphia 76ers squad, the Mavs look to recover in front of a nationally televised audience on TNT at American Airlines Center.

Aside from the Doncic-Irving dilemma, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd has a few other problems, most notably, the lack of Josh Green minutes. Green has overcome a lot in his first three seasons, including not playing very much in his rookie year under then-head coach Rick Carlisle, COVID protocols in his second season, and an elbow injury that sidelined him for 20 games this year.

To put it frankly, Green's reduction in minutes over the last few games makes no sense. Justin Holiday, who was recently acquired through the buyout market, has the attention of Kidd, indicative of his playing time and appearances in the starting lineup over the last two games for Dallas.  Playing only a combined 37 minutes vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers, the always-energetic Green finds himself in quite an unfair and senseless position.

Holiday is a useful 3-and-D veteran wing who could potentially help the Mavs in the playoffs, but in no scenario should he have already taken Green's starting spot while being with the team for just three games. Green is averaging a career-high 9.2 points per game while shooting 54.8 percent overall and 42.1 percent from deep.

Looking at the Mavs' roster, which is full of banged-up veterans and athletically questionable players, snubbing Green begs the question: what is the point of Green's incredible development if the Mavs aren't going to take advantage by utilizing it more? That's a question only Kidd can answer.

Aside from rotational issues, the Mavs have a long night ahead as they must find a way to slow down Joel Embiid, which is a daunting thought. March 18, 2022, was the last time the Mavs played the Sixers, with Embiid's defensive efforts (five steals) earning Philadelphia a 111-101 victory. 

Fatigue could come into play for the Sixers as they play their third game in four nights. Las Vegas has the Mavs as favorites, despite their recent rough stretch of pay. Perhaps they think Embiid will sit out Thursday evening ... or perhaps they think the star duo of Embiid and Harden enjoyed themselves a little too much in Miami over the last few days.

Regarding the injury report, Davis Bertans will continue to miss games as he deals with a left calf strain. The Sixers, for now, have no one listed on the NBA's official report. 

Balancing the fouls between Dwight Powell, Christian Wood, JaVale McGee, and Maxi Kleber will significantly influence who wins the contest. Also regarding fouls, Doncic only trails Giannis Antetokounmpo and Embiid in free throw attempts per game. Expect a lot of posturing at the officials.

Without delving too deep into Dallas' problems, laying eggs on national television doesn't help fan the flames. Broadcasting on TNT, the Mavs-Sixers game will provide Dallas even more of a reason not to flounder a late-game scenario.

This team needs a morale boost in the worst way. Will the Mavs get it together for the TNT audience, or will the flames of disappointment continue to scorch the discourse surrounding the team when the dust settles on Thursday night?

FUN FACT: Although the Mavs lost to the Pacers, it seems there is still some love between Rick Carlisle and the franchise. Well, at least in regards to Dirk Nowitzki. Carlisle told the media he's attending the Hall of Fame festivities for Nowitzki. 

RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (32-31), Philadelphia 76ers (40-21)

WHEN: Thursday, March 2, 2023 - 6:30 p.m. CT

WHERE: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)

TV: TNT

RADIO: 97.1 The Freak

ODDS: The Mavs are favored by four points over the Sixers.

NEXT UP: The Mavs face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Mar.5. 

FINAL WORD: The Mavs need a win to stop the bleeding from the losing. With Irving's free agent decision in the balance, Doncic's apparent frustration, and the overall enigma that is Kidd's coaching decisions, something must give.

“Great shot, great look, just didn't go down," said Irving after the Mavs' 124-122 last-second loss on Tuesday. "Obviously we had a few different options on that last play, but I just appreciate the coaching staff and my teammates trusting me with that shot. And just the comfort they gave me afterwards.

"I really want to win here, really put a lot of pressure on myself, at times I think I need to scale it back a little bit."

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