After getting completely debacled on Thursday in a near 40-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves
, the Dallas Mavericks (7-5) hit the road once more to continue their weekend road trip. This time, Dallas visits the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dallas, having won three contests in a row prior to their loss to Minnesota, looks to regain momentum against one of the East’s best. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are in action Friday night in NBA Cup play against the Miami Heat.For various reasons, there’s a lot that
is up in the air before this contest. Before the game tips off, here are a few things to know.
Ground stop
Well, if you’ve been hiding under a rock on Friday, first I’d say congratulations and I’m jealous. But afterwards, I’d inform you that air travel is quite the issue at the moment! For what it’s worth, according to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks have arrived in Cleveland and have no issue playing Saturday night. However, the home team is in Miami Friday night for an NBA Cup bout against the Heat. And, well, flying on Friday night is seemingly impossible! So, if Cleveland isn’t able to get back home until midday Saturday, you wonder if they’d push tipoff back a bit to accommodate. However, Dallas plays in Boston on Sunday evening, so there’s not much wiggle room. We’ll see how the league handles a very abnormal situation.
Flight delayed
On the basketball side of things, the Mavericks got absolutely demolished on Thursday evening in Minnesota. Even without Anthony Edwards, Minnesota is a better team than Dallas. But getting smoked like that? That was a really disheartening result. Dallas should be a prideful bunch, as Flagg, Irving and the leaders for this group are not known to be losers, but it will be in desperate need against a very good Cavs team on Saturday night.
Rescheduling
How does Dallas get back on track? The defense needs to rebound from what it was on Thursday. The Mavericks were bombarded from three point range against the Wolves, but also seemingly allowed wide open lanes to the rim at the same time. From the end of the first quarter onward, the Mavericks had absolutely no interest whatsoever in defending, well, anything. It starts at the top with Cooper Flagg, who simply has to be better on the defensive end for this team to have a chance. From there, everyone else needs to fall in line and take a little pride in what they’re doing. If the defense holds up, the offense will get that many more chances to push the pace and run.
How to watch
KFAA Channel 29 or your Mavs TV app will have you covered locally for this one. Outside of Dallas, NBA League Pass will have the broadcast. On the radio side, 105.3 The Fan will have you covered. Tipoff is scheduled for just after 6:30 p.m. CT from the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
