Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in Mavs at Bucks

Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in Mavs at Bucks

The Dallas Mavericks are fresh off their fourth straight win on Wednesday in Charlotte. They dominated the action as Kristaps Porzingis made his season debut. Luka Doncic had 34 points and narrowly missed a triple-double in the win. The Mavs are hitting their stride, despite missing five players in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

They travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Friday night. It is a massive showdown between two of the top teams and two of the biggest stars in the league. The Bucks have won three straight and six of their last seven games. It will be a heavyweight fight in Milwaukee.

Here is a look at how and what fans should be watching for in Friday night’s nationally televised showdown.

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks: How to watch

Start time: 6:30 p.m. CT or 7:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: ESPN (National), Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas Market), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee market)

Watch online: Watch ESPN (National), Fox Sports Go (Both local markets)

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks injury updates

The Mavs have five players listed as out in the health and safety protocols. They will again be without Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jalen Brunson, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell. No word yet on when any of those players will be able to return.

Kristaps Porzingis is listed as probable on the NBA’s official injury report with an ankle sprain. Expect the Unicorn to play on Friday night.

The Bucks have just two players listed on the report. Both Jrue Holiday (ankle) and Torrey Craig (nose) are probable to face the Mavs.

Be sure to check Twitter for any late breaking injury information heading into Friday’s tipoff.

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks storyline to follow: Showdown of MVP candidates

Giannis Antetokounmpo has won the MVP award for two straight years, but Luka Doncic is the betting favorite to take home the honors in 2021. The two superstars have had some epic showdowns including Doncic dropping a 36-point triple-double to top Giannis’ 34 points and five blocks in an overtime win during the seeding games of the Walt Disney World restart.

Expect both players to have monster performances on Friday night. The Mavericks would love to use Maxi Kleber on Giannis, but he is out. It will be interesting to see how they decide to try to slow down the reigning MVP.

No team can stop Luka Doncic right now. The Dallas Mavericks superstar is on fire. Fans will not want to miss this game. Be sure to check back to The Smoking Cuban for more following the Jan. 15 contest.