The Dallas Mavericks will host the Chicago Bulls with the season potentially on the line. On Dec.10, the Bulls defeated the Mavericks 144-115. As a result, this could be an opportunity for the Mavs to vengeance.
Update Injury for Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls
On Friday, the Dallas Mavericks will visit the Chicago Bulls, who have already clinched a spot in the East’s play-in tournament, as they continue their pursuit of the Western Conference’s final play-in berth.
Chicago (38-42) clinched a spot in the play-in round last week, but losses to Atlanta on Tuesday and Milwaukee on Wednesday have locked the Bulls into the No. 10 seed.
To begin the play-in tournament, Chicago will travel to either Atlanta or Toronto.
- DeMar DeRozan – Questionable
Due to rest, DeMar DeRozan is questionable for Friday’s game against the Mavericks.
With the Bulls locked into the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, it’s not surprising that they’re thinking about resting some of their key players for the Play-In.
If DeRozan is ruled out, Javonte Green, Patrick Williams, and Derrick Jones are likely to see increased playing time.
The Dallas Mavericks (38-42) remain hopeful of making the Western Conference play-in round after snapping a three-game losing streak on Wednesday.
They defeated one of the conference’s top teams, the Sacramento Kings, 123-119, thanks to 31 points from Kyrie Irving and 29 points and 10 rebounds from Luka Doncic.
- Luka Doncic – Questionable
Luka Doncic is probable for this game due to left thigh injury management.
Doncic’s thigh injury does not appear to be a major concern, and he will most likely play again Friday as the Mavericks battle for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
In his last eight games, he’s had six double-doubles, averaging 30.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 38.9 minutes per game.
The Mavericks are on the verge of being eliminated after the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz 114-98 in Salt Lake City on Thursday. The Thunder (39-42) lead Dallas by a half-game but have the tiebreaker.
Dallas’ hopes would be dashed if they lost to the Chicago Bulls on Friday or the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, or if the Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
Dallas’ season concludes on Sunday against San Antonio, which has one of the league’s worst records. The favorable matchup in the finale makes Friday’s game against the Bulls crucial for the Mavericks’ postseason hopes.
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When the two teams last met, Chicago dominated, despite the fact that it was on Dec. 10, long before the Mavericks roster underwent significant changes with the addition of Irving.
- Kyrie Irving – Questionable
Kyrie Irving is expected to play against the Bulls on Friday due to a right foot injury.
Irving continues to deal with a nagging foot injury, but it isn’t expected to hold him out of Friday’s game.
With the Mavericks sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference, just outside of the Play-In, they will likely need their star guard to suit up in all of the team’s remaining games.
Mavericks Injury Report:
- Luka Doncic (Thigh) – Questionable
- Kyrie Irving (Foot) – Questionable
Bulls Injury Report:
- DeMar DeRozan (Rest) – Questionable
- Zach LaVine (Rest) – Questionable
- Alex Caruso (Foot) – Questionable
- Lonzo Ball (Knee) – Out for the season
- Justin Lewis (Knee) – Out for the season
