The start to Dallas four-game road outing has been as challenging as advertised. Despite some career highs from Luka, the team has gone 0-2 to the Nuggets and Clippers. The team has had opportunities in late game situations just coming up short against very tough teams. The Mavericks will have their hands full tonight as they take on the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

The injury tables have turned

When the Warriors played Dallas earlier this season, it was without Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The Mavs won that matchup thanks to some clutch buckets from Luka and Harrison Barnes, but it still came down to the wire.

Tonight, Dallas could be without Matthews, DSJ, Broekhoff, and Kleber who are all banged up. It’s an 82 game season and injuries are an obstacle that every team goes through. The timing is rough with the warriors pretty much at full strength and once again looking like the team to beat in the West. Fortunately, the Mavs have a very deep roster, it’s time for the next man to step up… Dirk???

Luka is trending right now

The “Wonder Boy” had a career-high 32 points against the Clippers, following a career-high 12 assists against Denver. He has been the point of attack with Dennis Smith Jr. still sidelined pushing his scoring up as of late. Doncic has put up 32, 23, and 28 points the last three games answering the call of a future franchise player.

Sacramento Kings coach Dave Joerger recently came under fire with his praise for Luka;

“Perhaps there was an idea that there was a ceiling on him. I don’t see it, unfortunately for us. But he’s great for them and he’s great for our league.”

Plenty of national media attention comparing the reigning Euro MVP to James Harden or LeBron’s rookie year. Time will tell just how special Luka’s rookie season ends up being.

A tale of two cities

Young teams are expected to have growing pains especially when playing away from home. However, it is not as common for a team that is tied for the third best home record (13-3) to have the second worse record away (2-12). That’s one way to stay a .500 team with Dallas currently sitting at 15-15 and 11th in the West. The chemistry continues to grow for the Mavs and it’s looking more and more like just a matter of time before they figure it out.

The road woes have been an issue all season long and with the schedule only getting more difficult Dallas could fall far down the playoff standings quick. Tonight would be a great win on the road against one of the better home teams in the league. Tune in tonight at 7:30 as the Dallas squad look to flip the script on this road trip.