Both teams are on a winning run.
The second quarterfinal game of the 2024 NBA Cup will see Dallas Mavericks taking on the Oklahoma Thunder on Tuesday. The Thunder been riding high on confidence this season with a 18-5 record and topping the Western Conference standings.
However, they will be up against Luka Doncic and Co, who are coming into this game on the back of a seven-game winning streak.
OKC Thunder has been in stunning form this season, thrashing the Western Conference giants like Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in their way to sit top of the NBA standings.
The secured the No. 1 seed in the NBA Cup following their blowout win over the Utah Jazz.
If the Thunder manage to get over the line against Mavericks, they will take on the winner of the Rockets-Warriors clash.
However, if the Thunder and Warriors both lose their respective games, then the former will head to Golden State on December 15.
After a on and off run in the first 10 games, the Dallas Mavericks have picked up their pace. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s return to form has been the key reason behind their turnaround.
They enter this game with a seven straight wins and have won 11 of their last 12 to move to 3rd in the Western Coneference standings.
That seven-game winning streak is currently the longest in the NBA, and Jason Kidd and Co. would be hoping to extend it further with a win at Oklahoma.
Also Read:
OKC Thunder have a long list of injuries with Chet Holmgren (hip fracture), Jaylin Williams (hamstring strain), Ousmane Dieng (finger fracture), Adam Flagler (hand fracture), and Nikola Topic (ACL recovery) all sidelined for an extended period.
Meanwhile, Mavericks might also start without their key player P.J. Washington, who has been listed as questionable with an illness. However, a final call might be taken just before the game.
Naji Marshall is also listed as questionable with an illness.
Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber (illness), Jaden Hardy (ankle sprain), and Dante Exum (wrist surgery) are also unavailable for this game.
OKC Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein
Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington*, Dereck Lively II
*Subject to fitness
With both teams in red-hot form, an overtime showdown wouldn’t come as a surprise. OKC Thunder might look to ride on home advantage, while Mavericks will rely on the experience of Doncic, Irving, and Klay Thompson. In the end, their composure under pressure might secure a narrow win for the visitors.
Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA 
