Preview: Battered Mavericks host beaten 76ers in short-handed matchup

These teams are missing a combined 80% of their preferred starters.

Feb 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks return home to play the Philadelphia 76ers early on Sunday afternoon in a battle between the two most injured teams in the NBA. That's not hyperbole, as each team listed 10 players on the injury report. This game will also be the homecoming of Quentin Grimes, playing against the Mavs for the first time since that ridiculous trade in February.

Dallas is coming off a brutal beatdown by the hands of the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The Mavericks were demolished on the glass 72-38, as four Rockets had at least eight rebounds, led by Alperen Sengun with 15. Dante Exum went down with a likely season-ending injury in that game, adding to the already lengthy report.

Philadelphia has lost three straight games, but it might be better to say the 76ers have won just three of their last 20 games. Former Maverick Quentin Grimes has been playing exceptional basketball recently, averaging 26.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 4.4 APG over his last seven games. But without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and more, it's hard for the 76ers to have much success.

The Sixers won the first matchup between these teams, as Joel Embiid played one of his 19 games this season and had a triple-double. This game was bumped from an ESPN/ABC spot due to the injuries and lackluster performances.

READ MORE: Mavericks may have to begin forfeiting games due to NBA rules

Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) controls the ball against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

How to Watch: Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Date/Time: Sunday, March 16th, 12 p.m. CST

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Team Records: Mavericks 33-35, 76ers 22-44

TV/Streaming: NBA League Pass, KFAA, NBC Sports Philadelphia

Spread (via FanDuel): Mavericks -5.5

Over/Under: 223.5

Moneyline: Mavericks -215, 76ers +180

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER

READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks fans are suffering the most in the NBA – here’s the proof

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