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

The Dallas Mavericks host the Toronto Raptors in a pivotal game in the Western Conference standings. They lowered their magic number to avoid the play-in to one with their win over the Pelicans on Wednesday Night. Luka Doncic dropped 33 points to lead Dallas to victory. A win over the Raptors would guarantee the Mavs a position in the top six.

Toronto will come to Dallas on the second night of a back-to-back. They had lost seven of their last eight entering Thursday’s game. The Raptors are locked into the lottery. It will be interesting to see who plays for Toronto in Dallas on May 14.

Here is a closer look at how fans can watch and what they should be viewing for on Friday night at the American Airlines Center.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors: How to watch

Start time: 8:00 p.m. CT or 9:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas market), TSN (Toronto market)

Watch online: Bally Sports app (Dallas market), NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors injury updates

The Mavs have just J.J. Redick listed on the NBA’s official injury report. The veteran guard has been ruled out of the remainder of the regular season with a heel injury.

Toronto is on the second night of a back-to-back, so they did not release an official injury report. Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Aaron Baynes, Rodney Hood, and Paul Watson all missed Thursday’s game against the Bulls. The Raptors are lottery-bound, but coach Nick Nurse did not rule out any of the players returning during the final games of the regular season.

Be sure to check Twitter just before tipoffs for updates and late-breaking information.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors storyline to follow: Avoiding the play-in

The Mavs have the opportunity to avoid the play-in tournament. All they have to do is win against a short-handed Toronto team. Expect Luka Doncic and Dallas to bring plenty of motivation on Friday night.

Tim Hardaway Jr. will be looking to stay hot as the Mavericks continue to get Kristaps Porzingis back in the fold. The Unicorn played well in his return against the Pelicans. Coach Rick Carlisle will likely give him a few more minutes versus the Raptors.

Be sure to tune in and enjoy the game on May 14. It is a massive one for the Dallas Mavericks, so do not miss it.