Dallas Mavericks: Dorian Finney-Smith (personal) out vs. Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks endured a rough start thanks to injuries and COVID absences. It took time to get everyone back up to speed, but they have won 11 of their last 15 games to vault to eighth in the Western Conference. The Mavs are proving to be a dangerous team when healthy.

They lost the last time out against the LA Clippers. Luka Doncic had a 25-point triple-double, but LA held them scoreless over the final three minutes to pick up the victory. The Mavericks would not have to wait long for a shot at revenge as the two teams were facing off in a two-game set in Dallas.

Dorian Finney-Smith was ruled out for Wednesday’s game for personal reasons. Brad Townsend reported that Finney-Smith welcomed a newborn child into the world on March 17. How would the Mavericks adjust against the Clippers without one of their best defenders?

Dorian Finney-Smith out vs. LA Clippers: How will Dallas Mavericks adjust?

The Mavericks are without both Finney-Smith and James Johnson on March 17. They will be forced to play smaller with Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Brunson, and Trey Burke picking up extra minutes. Dallas will need to outscore the Clippers on Wednesday night because they will struggle to slow down Kawhi Leonard and Paul George without one of their top defenders.

Finney-Smith is a key floor spacer too. Hardaway Jr. and Brunson should be able to pick up the slack, but if coach Rick Carlisle is forced to go deeper into his bench, the spacing could suffer.

The Dallas Mavericks need Dorian Finney-Smith back as soon as possible. Hopefully, all is well with mother and newborn. The 27-year-old is an irreplaceable piece for the Mavs. They do not have another option that can defend the opposition’s best scorer and knock down shots at a high clip. Dallas will be scrambling to fill in against one of the best teams in the West on March 17.

Stay tuned for updates on Dorian Finney-Smith, plus all the analysis and opinions Dallas Mavericks fans crave at The Smoking Cuban.