The last time the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder met, the Mavericks eliminated the Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. Almost six months later, the two teams will face off again on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Despite being shorthanded this season, the Thunder have found success. Injuries to big men Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have forced Oklahoma City to go with a smaller lineup, but it has worked well as they currently sit atop the Western Conference with an 11-2 record.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd is also dealing with a center issue. Dereck Lively II has started the past two games in place of Daniel Gafford, who started the season’s first 11 games.
Sunday’s game will be the second night of a back-to-back for the Mavericks, who snapped a four-game losing streak with a 110-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
Oklahoma City, closing out a six-game homestand, leads the NBA in drives per game with 62 but ranks second-to-last in free-throw attempts per game at 19.6.
During their recent win against Phoenix, the Thunder’s opponent attempted 40 free throws.
On Saturday, Daigneault addressed the team’s low free-throw numbers again, reiterating his remarks from the previous day.
In addition to being without Holmgren for the fourth consecutive game due to a pelvic fracture that will sideline him for at least two months, the Thunder will also be without guard Alex Caruso for the third consecutive game due to a right hip strain.
