PREVIEW
MAVERICKS (8-13) AT ATLANTA HAWKS (10-10)
Time: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday
Place: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
TV: FSSW
Radio: ESPN 103.3 FM; Univision 1270 AM (Spanish)
About the Mavericks: It hasn’t been a good time for the Mavs lately as they enter tonight’s game carrying a six-game losing streak. It’s the longest losing streak for the Mavs since they dropped seven in a row from Mar. 2-14, 2019. . .In response to the losing streak, coach Rick Carlisle said: “When things are difficult, it becomes even harder to bust out. We’re just going to have to stay together and just keep grinding. We’re doing too many good things to not keep pushing towards progress.”. .The last time the Mavs won a game was Jan. 22 at San Antonio (122-117) behind 36 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists from Luka Doncic. . .This is one of just four games – out of 14 – that the Mavs will play on the road during the entire month of February. The Mavs are 6-7 on the road this season. . .The Mavs are coming off Monday’s heartbreaking 109-108 loss at home to the Phoenix Suns. The Mas were up by two points, but Suns guard Devin Booker drained a game-winning 3-pointer with just 1.5 seconds remaining. . .Josh Richardson scored a season-high 24 points in Monday’s contest against the Suns on 9-of-16 shooting. . .Doncic is averaging 27.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg and is second in the NBA in assists with 9.4 apg. . .Kristaps Porzingis averages 18.6 ppg and 8.2 rpg and finished Monday’s game against the Suns with 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
About the Hawks: Some 20 games into the season and the Hawks find themselves in first place in the Southeast Division. They also own a 5-5 record at home. . .The Hawks are only four-and-a-half games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the best record in the Eastern Conference. . .This is the second of a four-game homestand for Atlanta, who will entertain the Utah Jazz on Thursday and the Toronto Raptors on Saturday before traveling to Dallas to play the Mavs on Feb. 10. . .The Hawks lost at home to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, 107-99. Atlanta led that game, 76-75 after three quarters. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 25 points, 16 assists and two steals. . .Atlanta has lost three of its last five games. That includes a 129-115 loss at Milwaukee on Jan. 24, and a 132-128 loss in overtime at home to the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 27, despite 28 points and 14 assists from Young. . .Behind Young, the Hawks are averaging 112.5 ppg, but also are allowing 110 ppg. . .Young is averaging 26.9 ppg and is third in the league in assists with 9.0 apg. The Hawks also receive solid contributions from De’Andre Hunter (17.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg), John Collins (17 ppg, 77 rpg), and Cam Reddish (11.9 ppg). In addition, Clint Capella is averaging 13.6 ppg and ranks second in the NBA in rebounds (14.4 rpg) and third in blocks (2.4 bpg). Hunter will miss tonight’s game with right knee discomfort.
Twitter: @DwainPrice
Share and comment