NBA action will see the Dallas Mavericks take on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. Here we look at the preview and TV schedule for the game.
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The NBA action continues with a titanic clash which will see two in-form teams in the Mavericks and Blazers go head-to-head tonight.
The Blazers are one of the hottest teams in the bubble and giving their all to bag the eighth seed in the West. No team in the league would like to face Damian Lillard one game after the star put up his fifth 50+ points game of the season.
Melo and CJ McCollum too have been brilliant and have provided brilliant support to Lillard on both ends of the court.
The Mavericks on the other hand have defeated the Bucks and the Jazz in their last two games and will look to march into the playoffs high on confidence as they look set to clash against Kawhi-led Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. However, Mavs have a chance of sneaking into that 6th spot by usurping the Jazz.
Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis were both rested against the Jazz and will be expected to return for their clash against the Blazers tonight.
It will be Damian Lillard vs Luka Doncic tonight and offensively this could be a riot in Orlando.
Where to watch Mavericks vs Blazers on TV and Online?
NBA TV will be streaming the game and it can be accessed on both the NBA website and the mobile app.
However, you’ll need to buy the NBA League pass in order to do that.
The game is slated for a 5 PM ET tip-off and will be broadcasted on FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST – DALLAS, NBC SPORTS NORTHWEST, TSN and ESPN 103.3 FM(radio coverage).
Team Preview – Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have locked up the 7th seed in the west and might even climb upto 6th spot if they overtake the Jazz who have lost five of their seven games inside the bubble so far.
If the Mavericks end up winning their last two games and hope that the Jazz lose their final game against the Spurs, they will overtake them and avoid a first round clash against the formidable Clippers.
The Mavs have the best offense in the league and can outscore any team on their day, but in order to win a playoff series, they will need their defense to step up as well. A match up against the able offense of Lillard, CJ McCollum and Melo is just what they need before post-season begins.
The Mavericks have a lot to play for in the last two games and the squad will be pumped by their win against the Jazz even though they rested their star tandem.
Expected starting line-up: J.J Barea, Luka Doncic, Tim Hardway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, Boban Marjanovic
Also Read: NBA Games Today: Rockets vs Spurs TV Schedule; where to watch NBA restart
Team Preview – Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have no scope for error after their loss against Clippers when superstar Damian Lillard missed two crucial free-throws in the dying seconds of the game. Damian Lillard bounced back with a 51 point against the 76ers to keep them alive. With Suns who are 6-0 inside the bubble and Spurs both just 0.5 games behind them, a loss might dent their chances to make the play-in tournament.
‘Dame Time’ will need to come to the fore once again tonight, if they Blazers want to get the better of the high flying Mavs.
Carmelo Anthony has looked rejuvenated inside the bubble and has made crucial shots to keep the Blazers afloat during their initial games inside the bubble.
With Zach Collins, Nurkic and a young Trent Jr. providing impetus on both ends of the floor, the Blazers have looked formidable in most of their games so far. However, their defense will be in for a great contest as they face an in-form Luka Doncic who outshone Giannis during their overtime win against the Bucks. Luka made 19 assists during that game and the Blazers will have to keep his ever-growing play-making abilities in check.
Expected starting line-up: Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Zach Collins, Carmelo Anthony, Jusuf Nurkic
