Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in Mavs vs. Pacers

The Dallas Mavericks have won two straight games as they look to stay red hot against the Indiana Pacers on March 26. Friday’s game is the first of a back-to-back for the Mavs. They travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans to close it out on Saturday.

Superstar Luka Doncic will be looking for a bounce-back after one of his worst performances of the season against the Timberwolves. Luckily, Kristaps Porzingis picked up the slack to lift Dallas to victory.

The Pacers have won three of their last four as they look to make a playoff push. Friday’s contest should have plenty of excitement. Here is how and what to watch for as the Mavs host the Pacers.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers: How to watch

Start time: 7:30 p.m. CT or 8:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas market), Fox Sports Indiana (Pacers market)

Watch online: Fox Sports Go (both local markets), NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers injury updates

The Mavs have ruled out Willie Cauley-Stein (health and safety protocols) and Tyrell Terry (personal) for Friday’s game on the NBA’s official injury report. New acquisitions J.J. Redick and Nicolo Melli are not officially Mavericks because the trade has not been finalized by the league office yet. Expect updates on their statues before tipoff, though.

The Pacers are without T.J. Warren (foot) but have no other players listed on the injury report.

Be sure to check Twitter for updates and any late-breaking injury news just before tipoff.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers storyline to follow: Luka’s bounce back

The Mavs wrap up their season series against the Pacers on Friday night. In the first meeting, Indiana was aggressive in trying to keep the ball out of Luka’s hands. They sold out to make the rest of the Mavericks beat them. Doncic finished with a triple-double but had just 12 points. The Mavericks picked up the win despite missing four players in the health and safety protocols.

Will the Pacers go for the same tactic on March 26? It is usually not wise to play the same defense against Luka more than once. Expect the 22-year-old superstar to dominate on his way to a monster performance.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for plenty more after the game, plus news and analysis Dallas Mavericks crave.