Game 24: Dallas Mavericks (15-8) vs. Toronto Raptors (7-16) | 6:30pm CST

[SleepingHero]

[Mavs2021]

Mother of all trap games. Young and athletic semi-tankers at home and the Cup game on the horizon.

[SleepingHero]

@GrantAfseth
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (illness) is now questionable to play against the Toronto Raptors.


Naji Marshall, Exum are both still out. Hardy is doubtful (ankle).

[Chicagojk]

Mother of all trap games. Young and athletic semi-tankers at home and the Cup game on the horizon.

I agree.  Mavs playing well and last game before cup.  Also Toronto was embarrassed against OKC last game.  They should play better

[Scott41theMavs]

@GrantAfseth
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (illness) is now questionable to play against the Toronto Raptors.


Naji Marshall, Exum are both still out. Hardy is doubtful (ankle).

What in the world is going on with Marshall? Good grief.

[SleepingHero]

Hardy and Maxi are officially ruled out. Poeltl is available to play for Toronto.

[SleepingHero]

What in the world is going on with Marshall? Good grief.

@GrantAfseth
Naji Marshall has taken the court for a pre-game workout. He was ruled out for the fourth consecutive game due to illness.

As I've mentioned, part of returning from an illness designation includes conditioning.


Here is Grant trying to answer why it’s taken so long for Naji to come back. I suppose he’s ramping up and has a lingering cold. Thankfully the team is comfortable right now, although we still need him healthy.

[KillerLeft]

I bet Marshall will go against OKC. Would've been nice to get him a warmup game first. Oh, well.

[KillerLeft]

Back to back 3’s from Grady Dick, both blatantly exploiting Gafford. One by design, the second in transition.

[KillerLeft]

Then a nice block from Gafford! It’s a spectrum.

[KillerLeft]

Good thing Kyrie is on fire from outside, because with Powell playing the backup 4 tonight space will be tough to find.

[KillerLeft]

I do love that Gafford has the green light in the paint this year. His one dribble moves have been delightfully effective.

[DallasMaverick]

@GrantAfseth
Naji Marshall has taken the court for a pre-game workout. He was ruled out for the fourth consecutive game due to illness.

As I've mentioned, part of returning from an illness designation includes conditioning.


Here is Grant trying to answer why it’s taken so long for Naji to come back. I suppose he’s ramping up and has a lingering cold. Thankfully the team is comfortable right now, although we still need him healthy.

If it really was pneumonia, it can take awhile.

[KillerLeft]

O-Max comes in and promptly Peter Principles his way to some free throws.

[DallasMaverick]

A lid on the bucket

[KillerLeft]

I think it was almost his fault to begin with for falling asleep in transition, but that chase down block from O-Max was dope.

[KillerLeft]

Good lord, O-Max closes gaps quickly on defense.

I will put it out there again: I will buy all the land anyone is trying to unload on O-Max Island

[BoredAssistant]

He looks like a player. Lively seems less energetic but I might be wrong.

[KillerLeft]

He looks like a player. Lively seems less energetic but I might be wrong.

Lively has had some rough moments tonight, but also some good ones. Kind of a mixed bag.

[DallasMaverick]

Good lord, O-Max closes gaps quickly on defense.

I will put it out there again: I will buy all the land anyone is trying to unload on O-Max Island

Tantalizing moments of greatness, sandwiched between lapses and overreactions.