Although this is the Boston Celtics’ second meeting with the Dallas Mavericks this season, the atmosphere of the game is different. Dallas recently sent star guard Luka Doncic to the rival Los Angeles Lakers in a huge transaction.
Anthony Davis, the Mavericks’ standout big man, was acquired in the trade, and he may make his team debut today against Boston. While he heals from an injury he sustained with Los Angeles, Davis was listed as questionable going into the day.
Davis will miss this game because he was listed as questionable.
Davis will undoubtedly be eager to play for his new team and may cause the Celtics some serious problems. He wasn’t expecting to be traded by the Lakers, so like everyone else, he was taken aback by the deal of Davis.
Los Angeles defeated Boston handily a few games ago, and the big man played against the Celtics. In the Lakers’ victory, Davis recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.
Boston will need to keep an eye on him at all times since his presence on the floor may affect both sides of the ball. A deadly pick-and-roll combination between Davis and guard Kyrie Irving may give Dallas a formidable offensive onslaught.
However, it hurts to lose Doncic, and it might take some time for this team to truly gel as a unit. The Celtics are going to try to capitalize on that and win another game.
Boston handily defeated the Mavericks in their first encounter weeks ago, but this NBA Finals rematch will attract attention. The Celtics easily won with a final score of 122-107.
Boston appears to have more players than the Mavericks, but this is a very different squad on the court sans Doncic.
