Injury Report, Updated Odds (3/14): Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Oklahoma City Thunder is looking to bounce back after taking a tough loss to the Indiana Pacers a couple of days ago as they host the Dallas Mavericks.
While the Thunder took the first matchup, things didn't go so swell for Oklahoma City the second time around. The Mavericks came on top with a 35-point victory. That was an afternoon game, and this contest couldn't be more different. It's a 9 p.m. local time game that will be nationally televised.
Sitting half a game behind the No. 1 seed, the Thunder can even things out at the top of the Western Conference with a win while the Mavericks are in the thick of the play-in race.
Injury Report:
Thunder:
Ousmane Dieng, OUT (G League)
Adam Flagler, OUT (G League)
Keyontae Johnson, OUT (G League)
Olivier Sarr, OUT (G League)
Mavericks:
Luke Doncic, OUT (Hamstring)
Brandon Williams, OUT (Wrist)
Alex Fudge, OUT (G League)
Greg Brown, OUT (G League)
Olivier-Maxence Propser, OUT (G League)
The Mavericks being without Doncic is obviously a brutal blow. He's the offensive engine for the team, and the only other big creator on the team is Kyrie Irving, who will now have to shoulder a big offensive load for Dallas.
Outside of Doncic's injury, there is no other game-altering injuries or absences.
Updated Odds
It's no surprise the Thunder, on their home floor, are favorites over the Mavericks. However, it is surprising the they're 11.5-point favorites.
With Jalen Williams returning to the floor, the Thunder will be fully healthy once again as they're looking for a big bounce back. Taking on a Doncic-less Mavericks team poses the perfect opportunity to do so, too.
If the Thunder can jump out on the Mavericks early with energy and stout defense, they'll be able to stabilize the standings on the top of the Western Conference once more.
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