Game 53: Oklahoma City Thunder (35-16) vs. Dallas Mavericks (29-23)

[SleepingHero]

[BigDirk41]

Are they both playing?

[WildArkieBoy]

Are they both playing?

So, Gafford starts?

[Smitty]

So, Gafford starts?

I’m guessing Mavs start the same 5 they have been. Luka, Kai, Green, DJJ, Maxi. 
PJW and Gafford off the bench. 

Hope I’m wrong because I want to see the new guys right away!!

[BigDirk41]

I bet Gafford starts since he's a 5. Washington will come off the bench first few games most likely.

[Chicagojk]

We will see. I was thinking both would come off the bench. Maxi may not go. If so, maybe Dwight and Jones jr start. They have some familiarity. If Maxi plays, he starts. Might be our best matchup on Chet. I don't know if we had a practice with either guy yet. A lot to ask to throw them out there starting. We will see though. Mavs will be shorthanded again so they may just throw them out there.

Lets not make too many snap judgements....good or bad. This will be a tough game regardless.

[BigDirk41]

We will see. I was thinking both would come off the bench.  Maxi may not go.  If so, maybe Dwight and Jones jr start.  They have some familiarity.  If Maxi plays, he starts.  Might be our best matchup on Chet.  I don't know if we had a practice with either guy yet.  A lot to ask to throw them out there starting.  We will see though.  Mavs will be shorthanded again so they may just throw them out there.

Lets not make too many snap judgements....good or bad.  This will be a tough game regardless.

I'm just excited to see them play. I'm not expecting much from them until after the all star break, but it should be a little easier for Gafford to fit in being the center. Washington will have to learn a lot more on offense. Win or lose, I just want to see the new guys get some pt.

[MrGoat]

So, Gafford starts?

Lively's still out, so I would hope so

[SleepingHero]

[KillerLeft]

Wow, I did not expect either one of them to start without at least a practice first. I hope Kidd knows what he’s doing, because this is a big game.

[BigDirk41]

Now I'm really excited for this game.

[SleepingHero]

Update:

Noah Weber (@noahweber00)
Both PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford will not start today, per Jason Kidd.

Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth)
Jason Kidd says P.J. Washington will probably have a chance to start before the NBA All-Star break. Daniel Gafford will get a chance if they are not healthy, but probably not if they are healthy.

[Smitty]

I’m guessing Mavs start the same 5 they have been. Luka, Kai, Green, DJJ, Maxi. 
PJW and Gafford off the bench. 

Hope I’m wrong because I want to see the new guys right away!!

https://x.com/noahweber00/status/1756383...69382?s=46&t=4w35gotNXtBJnqxbaL7e9w

Both PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford will not start today, per Jason Kidd.

[KillerLeft]

Update:

Noah Weber (@noahweber00)
Both PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford will not start today, per Jason Kidd.

Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth)
Jason Kidd says P.J. Washington will probably have a chance to start before the NBA All-Star break. Daniel Gafford will get a chance if they are not healthy, but probably not if they are healthy.

OK, good. That makes way more sense.

[The Jom]

After the JaVale fiasco, Kidd isn’t allowed to start guys who haven’t played here before.

[SleepingHero]

https://twitter.com/sixfivelando/status/...5121189929

https://twitter.com/noahweber00/status/1...6551687457

PJ Washington warming up. I love that little push shot from the top of the key.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Im really excited for PJ to show me something. Buying into all the positive narratives for now.

Gafford I think we all agree what he is. Just disagree if we needed a second/backup center.

[WildArkieBoy]

OK, good. That makes way more sense.

So, with Lively hurt, it makes sense to not start Gafford?

[Jym]

Im really excited for PJ to show me something.

Gafford I think we all agree what he is. Just disagree if we needed a second/backup center.

Yeah I feel like Gafford is much more of a regular season bump
Which I'm not complaining about. His addition alone could give us a much better chance at homecourt this year 
Just a question of what happens in the playoffs. I could see PJ and Maxi playing a decent bit together especially at the end of big games
Got to love all the options and variations we have now.

[dirkfansince1998]

Yeah I feel like Gafford is much more of a regular season bump
Which I'm not complaining about. His addition alone could give us a much better chance at homecourt this year 
Just a question of what happens in the playoffs. I could see PJ and Maxi playing a decent bit together especially at the end of big games
Got to love all the options and variations we have now.

Looking at the standings home court is out of reach. Mavs are 6.5 games behind the 4th seed (Denver). Mavs need to worry about actually making the playoffs. 30 games left to overtake two out of Phoenix, Sacramento, NO to avoid the play-in. Lakers are also in the mix. Realistic best case is finishing 5th in the west. Worst case 9th.