Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for against Blazers from Orlando

Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for against the Blazers in the seventh seeding game

The Dallas Mavericks have won two straight and three of their last four from the bubble in Orlando. It has been a fantastic turnaround after a slower start to their seeding games. The Mavs got a win over the Jazz on Monday without Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

They are back at on Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers. It is a key game in the standings. Portland is a half-game back of the Grizzlies for eighth in the Western Conference. They want to secure a spot in the play-in. Dallas has an outside chance to move out of seventh. The Mavs would need to win their last two seeding games plus have Utah fall to the Spurs on Thursday.

It will be an important and exciting game on Tuesday evening. Here is how and what to watch for when the Mavericks face the Blazers.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers: How to watch

Start time: 5:30 p.m. CT or 6:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: TNT (National), Fox Sports Southwest-Dallas, NBC SportsNet Northwest (Portland market)

Watch online: TNT Overtime, Fox Sports Go (Dallas market)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers injury update

The Mavs did not release an official injury because it is the second of a back-to-back. Expect Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dorian Finney-Smith to return for Dallas. Dwight Powell and Courtney Lee will remain out against Portland.

The Blazers listed Hassan Whiteside as probable on the NBA’s official injury report. He is their only player on the list. Whiteside’s playing time has been limited in the bubble with Jusuf Nurkic back in action for Portland.

Be sure to check Twitter closer to tipoff for all the latest information.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers storyline to follow: Doncic vs. Lillard

No player is hotter than Luka Doncic in Orlando. He is averaging 33.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 11.6 assists per during his five games inside the bubble. Luka always plays well against the Blazers. Through seven career games, he averages 26.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.6 dimes a night.

Damian Lillard is always right there to match Luka’s production. He dropped 47 points against the Mavericks on Jan. 23. Lillard has 28 and 34 in the other two meetings this season. The Mavs have won two of the three games, though.

Expect Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard to put on a show on Tuesday night. Both teams need the win. That means the star players will step up. It should be fun and exciting, so do not miss it.