The Dallas Mavericks had their three-game winning streak snapped on Friday night, and they get no time to rest as they are back in action against the Charlotte Hornets on March 19. It is the final contest of a five-game road trip for Dallas before they return home to face the Timberwolves on Monday night.
The Hornets have won three straight games as they fight for postseason positioning. They are currently tenth in the Eastern Conference, but 1.5 games separate them from eighth. Charlotte is likely headed for the play-in tournament, and they are hoping to avoid the nine versus ten contest, which would force them to win two straight to advance to the playoffs.
Superstar Luka Doncic struggled against the Sixers on Friday night, and fans know that usually means a massive night the next time out. Nobody will want to miss Doncic versus LaMelo Ball on Saturday night, so here is a look at how to watch, the odds, and more.
Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets: How to watch
Start time: 6:00 p.m. CT or 7:00 p.m. ET
How to watch: NBA TV (national), Bally Sports Southwest Dallas (Mavs local market), Bally Sports Southeast Charlotte (Hornets local market)
Watch online: NBA TV online
Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets: Injury report
The Mavericks ruled out Spencer Dinwiddie (injury recovery), Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot), and Theo Pinson (finger) for Saturday’s game. Reggie Bullock appeared set to return, but the Mavs ruled him out on Saturday afternoon.
The Hornets will be without Gordon Hayward because of an ankle injury. They also assigned Kai Jones, Arnoldas Kulboka, Scottie Lewis, and JT Thor to the G League ahead of their contest against the Mavs.
Dallas is on the second night of a back-to-back, so things can change fast. Be sure to check social media just before tipoff for the latest.
Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Mavericks are 1.0-point underdogs on the road in Charlotte as they are plus-100 on the moneyline. The over/under sits at 223.5 for Saturday’s contest.
WynnBet will have all the player props fans want on the contest and expect a monster night from Luka Doncic.
Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets predictions
Luka Doncic has scored fewer than 20 points in just five contests this season. Following the other four, he is averaging 27.8 points and has produced at least 12 assists in each. Dallas is undefeated in those four games too. Expect a monster night from Luka as the Mavericks pull the upset over the Hornets on the second night of a back-to-back.
Dallas will need Jalen Brunson and Josh Green to step up with Dinwiddie out. Brunson must be the team’s secondary ball-handler and playmaker, and Green will need to be a secondary creator in the second unit with Dinwiddie out.
LaMelo Ball is must-watch for the Hornets, and fans should expect a wild and entertaining contest on Saturday evening. Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have not lost two straight since Feb. 2, so a bounce-back performance is in store in Charlotte. Do not miss it.