Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in second of back-to-back vs. Raptors

Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in the second of back-to-back vs. Raptors

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was spectacular on Sunday afternoon against the Bulls, but it was not enough to pick up a win. Doncic had 30 points in the first half and finished with a monster triple-double. The 21-year-old superstar is on fire right now.

The Mavs are facing the second of a back-to-back as they travel to Tampa to face the Toronto Raptors. The pandemic has forced the Raptors to play in Florida this season. It has been a slow start, but they won two straight games entering Monday’s game.

Here is a look at how and what to watch for as the Mavs take on the Raptors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors: How to watch

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

How to watch: Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas Market), The Sports Network (Toronto market)

Watch online: Fox Sports Go (Dallas market), NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors injury updates

The Mavs are facing an uphill battle in every game right now. Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell remain out in the league’s health and safety protocols. Coach Carlisle was optimistic about Jalen Brunson returning against the Raptors. Fans should also keep an eye on the statuses of Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Luka Doncic heading into tipoff.

The Raptors ruled out Alex Len (health and safety) and Patrick McCaw (knee) for Monday’s game. Those are the only two players listed on the NBA’s official injury report for Toronto.

Be sure to check Twitter just before tipoff for any late-breaking injury information. Remember, the Mavs are on the second night of a back-to-back, so they could be cautious with their stars.

Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors storyline to follow: Can Luka stay hot?

Last season, Luka Doncic played eight times in second of back-to-back sets. He averaged just 23.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists on 41.8 percent shooting from the field and 19.2 percent on his threes. Luka has struggled in those situations, but will it be enough to slow down his hot streak?

Expect Luka Doncic to put on a show against the Toronto Raptors. He will attempt to keep the Dallas Mavericks in the game as they look for their seventh win of the season. Do not miss it.