The Dallas Mavericks need a win to lock up fourth in the Western Conference as they host the Portland Trail Blazers on April 8. Superstar Luka Doncic has led them to seven wins in their last nine as they have pushed up the standings, including a victory over the Pistons to give them 50 on the year.
The Blazers have lost nine straight games and are on the second night of a back-to-back set. They were dominated by the Pelicans on Thursday night and have lost just twice by single digits during their recent losing skid. Portland is heading towards the lottery and playing young players to finish out the year.
With a win, the Mavericks can clinch homecourt in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Fans will want to tune in to see what Luka Doncic can do as Dallas looks for their 51st win of the season, so here is a look at how to watch, the odds, and more.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers: How to watch
Start time: 7:30 p.m. CT or 8:30 p.m. ET
How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest Dallas (Mavericks local market), Root Sports Northwest (Portland local market)
Watch online: NBA League Pass
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Injury report
The Mavs listed Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) as out, but Maxi Kleber was upgraded to questionable with ankle soreness. They are the only two Mavericks listed on the NBA’s official injury report.
Portland lost the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday evening, so they did not release an official report. They are shorthanded and playing young talent. Do not be surprised to see the Blazers hold out multiple options at the American Airlines Center.
Be sure to check social media for updates on Kleber and any late-breaking news about Friday’s contest.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Mavs are 18.0-point favorites entering Friday’s game and sit at minus-2,251 on the moneyline. The game has an over/under of 221.0.
The Mavericks have an over/under of 119.5, which they have topped in four of their last five games. Dallas wants to win to secure fourth in the Western Conference, so expect them to come out strong on Friday night at the American Airlines Center.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers predictions
Expect the Mavs to dominate the action on April 8 as they cruise to their third straight win. Luka Doncic drops 30 in three quarters and does not return in the fourth. Avoid the over/under and the spread on Friday night as the reserves will play most of the final quarter.
The Mavericks can still move up to third in the Western Conference, but they will need some help. Golden State is one game up, and both teams have two contests left in the regular season. The Warriors play a back-to-back set this weekend but will be favored in each game. All Dallas can control is winning out and that starts with a victory on Friday night over the Blazers.
Dallas Mavericks fans will not want to miss a second of the action, so be sure to tune in and enjoy the show.