The Dallas Mavericks are set to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference quarterfinals, a rematch of last season’s playoff semifinals. The Thunder, led by SHai Gilgeous-Alexander, are looking to continue their strong start to the season with added depth from Isaiah Hartenstein, who has been bolstering their frontcourt.
The two teams have been the only ones in the league to boast both top-10 offensive and defensive ratings over the last 10 games. The Mavericks’ +11.8 net rating is the best in the league, while the Thunder’s 10.8 ranking is third-best. This matchup may be considered a finals-like game, given the high stakes.
Both teams will be missing some rotation players, but their stars will be out to shine. The Mavericks are looking to extend their 7-game winning streak, tied for their longest since 2011. They have been grabbing 53.1% of available rebounds, second-best in the league.
However, the Thunder’s frontcourt depth has taken a hit with Chet Holmgren’s pelvic fracture, which will keep him out for several weeks. Hartenstein has been a game-changer for OKC, averaging nearly 13 boards and 12 points per game. Dallas’ Tyler Gafford and Dwight Lively will be tasked with matching up against Hartenstein to limit his impact.
The matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic is highly anticipated, as both teams are playing potent defense. The Thunder’s league-best unit seems designed to slow down the Mavericks, but Doncic is on a hot streak, having recorded back-to-back triple-doubles. Dallas’ offense, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, will be put to the test against the Thunder’s lockdown defense.
The game can be broadcast or streamed on TNT at 8:30 PM.
Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/12/9/24317526/mavericks-vs-thunder-3-things-as-dallas-faces-oklahoma-in-the-nba-cup-quarterfinals