After missing out on the NBA playoffs last season, both the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers seem ready to make a comeback this year.
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After missing out on the NBA playoffs last season, both the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers seem ready to make a comeback this year. They’re set to play against each other in Indianapolis on Sunday.
Dallas, currently on the longest winning streak in the Western Conference, is aiming for their eighth straight win. They’re currently holding onto the sixth seed in the conference standings.
The Mavericks kept their streak alive on Thursday, beating the Phoenix Suns 123-113. Luka Doncic led the way with 41 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, setting the tone for Dallas in their first game after the All-Star Break.
One of the new additions to the Mavericks, led by Doncic, is P.J. Washington, who was traded from Charlotte at the deadline.
For the Pacers, Nesmith (ankle injury) and Smith (back Injury) might not be playing the game. As for the Mavericks, Exum will sit this one out due to a knee injury. Besides, Doncic, Kleber, and Lively could also miss the game.
Washington, who didn’t see much success with the Hornets, is excited about the chance to play in the NBA playoffs for the first time in his career. When asked if Thursday’s win felt like a playoff atmosphere, Washington admitted he wasn’t sure.
Washington scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds on Thursday, and he’s averaging 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game this season. The Pacers are coming into Sunday’s game on a two-game winning streak, with their most recent win being a 129-115 victory over the Detroit Pistons at home.
After his second All-Star Game appearance, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton continued his strong play, scoring 25 points and dishing out 13 assists against Detroit. This performance added to his NBA-leading average of 11.7 assists per game.
Despite Haliburton’s impressive showing, much of the post-game praise went to veteran point guard T.J. McConnell. In just 17 minutes off the bench, McConnell contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists to the win.
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