The Dallas Mavericks are facing the Charlotte Hornets tonight at the American Airlines Center. Mavericks fans have been waiting eagerly for this one after their controversial loss to the Golden State Warriors in the last game. Mark Cuban also commented on the calls that went against the Mavs on the night. Regardless, the Mavs will be aiming to bounce back tonight.
Mark Cuban on this play:
“The ref called Mavs ball. Announcer announced it. Then there was a timeout. During the timeout, the ref changed the call & never told us. Then when they saw us line up as if it were our ball, he just gave the ball to the Warriors”pic.twitter.com/lqYKavacIB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 23, 2023
The Texas-based franchise has lost two games in a row, including a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies as well. The Hornets, on the other hand, are coming off a loss against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Hornets have been quite unlucky this year, they haven’t been able to build some winning momentum without LaMelo Ball, who is currently out due to injury. Speaking of injuries, the Mavericks have not had much luck on their side either. Both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have been on the sidelines for quite some time in recent weeks, massively affecting their results.
Kyrie Irving is questionable for the Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets game tonight
Kyrie Irving moved to Dallas just a few weeks ago and it already feels like he’s been there for a while. He has done well to fit into the team but the Mavs have not been able to translate his numbers into wins. Their defense remains a huge problem as the 2023 NBA playoffs are near as well.
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving spoke about managing his foot injury after the win over the Lakers:
“Whatever it takes. I let the guys know before the game ‘Let’s rock.’ They know what that entails, just putting my body on the line and living with the results.
“It’s a little bit worse… pic.twitter.com/YnGvFsK85h
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 19, 2023
The last time Kyrie played was on March 20, against the Grizzlies. Before that, he missed a few games for the Mavericks after being placed in a precautionary walking boot due to a foot injury. Ahead of tonight’s game, Kyrie remains questionable for the same reason. However, fortunately for Mavs fans, Luka is healthy to face the Hornets tonight, boosting their chances massively.
Recently, Kyrie even mentioned that he was willing to do “Whatever it takes” to return to the court as soon as possible and help the team. Along with Kyrie, Tim Hardaway Jr. is also questionable due to illness.
Dallas Mavericks injury report
- Kyrie Irving (questionable)
- Tim Hardaway Jr. (questionable)
Dallas Mavericks expected roster
- Luka Doncic
- Reggie Bullock
- Maxi Kleber
- Dwight Powell
- Josh Green
Charlotte Hornets injury report
- LaMelo Ball (out)
- Cody Martin (out)
- James Bouknight (doubtful)
- Mark Williams (out)
Charlotte Hornets expected roster
- Terry Rozier
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- P.J. Washington
- Nick Richards
- Gordon Hayward
Kelly Oubre Jr. and Terry Rozier left the Pelicans game early due to injury and their appearance remains a question mark. We can expect them to be game-time decisions.
The Mavericks are favored over the Hornets tonight
Luka Doncic has been struggling to replicate his mid-season form in recent times. Injuries have been a major reason for that as the Slovenian struggles to stay fit for a string of games. It is understandable, however, considering the number of games he plays for the Mavericks regularly. However, despite his struggles, we can predict Luka to have a sensational game tonight.
Against the Hornets in the last game in March 2022, Luka put up 37 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Hornets took the win, however, thanks to a solidified team effort from Rozier, Miles Bridges, and LaMelo. Experts have predicted the Mavs to have an easier job at hand tonight, mainly because of the Hornets’ star-studded injury report.