The Dallas Mavericks are going streaking once again, but can they continue the good times rolling when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers this weekend in the City of Brotherly Love? Or, will James Harden and the Sixers be too much for the Mavs?

Catch this game live on Saturday, March 19, at 7 AM, Manila time.

Away: Dallas Mavericks (43-26/20-14 on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Luka Doncic
  • SG: Jalen Brunson
  • SF: Spencer Dinwiddie
  • PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
  • C: Dwight Powell

Spencer Dinwiddie just keeps on proving why the Mavs were right in trading away Kristaps Porzingis for him (and Davis Bertans). Dinwiddie put the cherry on the top of his revenge game against the Brooklyn Nets Thursday, burying a buzzer-beating trey to give Dallas a 113-111 victory. The Mavs are now on a three-game win streak and have won all but one of their last eight games. It’s astonishing how easily and quickly Dinwiddie is able to find his fit in Dallas, as he’s immediately become a key contributor. 

Through only 12 games in Mavs threads, Dinwiddie has averaged 17.9 points. He is also shooting over 40% from deep, making him a perfect complement for Luka Doncic, whose gravity makes defenses collapse.  Doncic and Dinwiddie just seem to be the type of duo that can give Philly lots of headaches. For one, the Sixers have allowed at least 110 points in each of their last four games. The Mavericks’ defense, on the other hand, has been statistically the best in the NBA, surrendering just 103.7  points per contest. The Sixers know a lot about that, as they were held by Dallas to just 70 shot attempts in a 107-98 road loss back in February. 

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Home: Philadelphia 76ers (42-26/19-15 at home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Tyrese Maxey
  • SG: James Harden
  • SF: Matisse Thybulle
  • PF: Tobias Harris
  • C: Joel Embiid

James Harden’s addition to the Sixers’ roster was definitely a game-changer for Philly, but the team’s inconsistencies of late have kept it grounded. After winning five games in a row from late February to early March, the Sixers have gone 3-3 straight up, unable to win games consecutively over that stretch. The Sixers have a shot at breaking that trend this Saturday, as they are coming off a 118-114 road victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday. Joe Embiid powered his way to 35 points and 17 rebounds in that game, setting himself up nicely for the rematch against Dallas, which limited him to only 7/17 shooting in the first meeting. 

Things should be more open offensively for Embiid this time around, with Harden in the mix. With Embiid and Harden’s foul-drawing prowess, Dallas will constantly be on its feet balancing between playing honest defense and foul management. On the season, the Sixers are No. 1 in the NBA with 19.4 free-throws made per game and third in attempts from the foul line per contest with 23.6. Moreover, the Sixers are also headed to Saturday’s game with Tyrese Maxey feeling good. Maxey had 25 points with three 3-pointers in the Cavs game.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Mavs are near the tail-end of a five-game road trip, which could mean fatigue might be a bigger factor here. Taking the Sixers to cover (-3).

Over/Under: Embiid and Harden’s free-throws are going to take care of business for an Over (220.5) hit.

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