:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69147190/1227913313.0.jpg)
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Sacramento Kings
WHAT: Trying to get back on the horse and earn a decisive win
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas Texas
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. CST
HOW: Bally Sports or NBATV
THE STORY: The Mavericks, after a fantastic March, have hit a bit of a rough patch in April and are losers of four of their last 6 games. There’s some hope that a visit from the hapless Sacramento Kings could be the remedy to their recent woes, but anyone who thought the same about the “hapless” Rockets, Spurs, or Knicks was swiftly humbled.
After the game tonight, Dallas will have earned itself a 2-day gap between games that can hopefully serve as a chance to mend some of the bumps and bruises the team as a whole is no doubt feeling at this late point in the season (Luka has recently been sporting kinetic tape on his knee).
Former Maverick Harrison Barnes returns to the AAC in the midst of a career season, but being without Marvin Bagely and Richaun Homes removes much of the front court threat Sacramento could have brought. With any luck, that means big games from Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber defensively, and open lanes for the Mavericks’ back court drivers.