Improving their starts will be the focus for the Dallas Mavericks when they host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks have trailed after the first quarter in five of their first seven games this season and were down 15-2 just over 3 1/2 minutes into their 134-127 loss to the visiting Indiana Pacers on Monday.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 34 points, seven rebounds, and 15 assists against Indiana. Kyrie Irving added 27 points, while Naji Marshall contributed 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting off the bench.
However, Dallas was without center Dereck Lively II, who sprained his right shoulder while warming up for the game. He is questionable for the matchup with Chicago. If Lively can’t play, Marshall might once again anchor the second unit.
The Bulls, who have lost two straight games and three of their last five, are also dealing with injuries.
Lonzo Ball hasn’t played since Oct. 28 due to a sprained right wrist, and the team was without two-time All-Star Zach LaVine (adductor) during their 135-126 loss to the previously winless Utah Jazz on Monday. LaVine is questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Nikola Vucevic contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds against Utah. Coby White led the team with 28 points, largely thanks to shooting 6-of-9 from 3-point range, and Ayo Dosunmu added 25 points.
However, Vucevic noted that Chicago’s defense has been an issue, as the Bulls are allowing the sixth-most points per game in the league (119.4). This could be a welcome sight for a Dallas team that was held under 110 points in consecutive games before the loss to Indiana.
The Mavericks swept the season series against the Bulls last year, winning both matchups.
