On Saturday, 02\/23, the Golden State Warriors (29-27) will host the Dallas Mavericks (31-26) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Warriors are stationed at the ninth spot in the West, whereas the Mavericks are hanging on to the eighth spot. Can the improved Warriors better their playoff prospects here? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.<\/p>
Warriors: Jimmy Butler has reinvigorated the squad<\/strong><\/p> The Golden State Warriors will enter the battle after a 132-108 win against the Sacramento Kings as Buddy Hield put up 22 points. They have won 4-1 since acquiring Jimmy Butler showing remarkable improvements on both ends. During the five-game window, they have conceded just 107.8 points per game(8th) while scoring 120.2 PPG(8th). The Warriors had one of the toughest schedules before the All-Star break but they can relish some easy match-ups for the rest of the season.<\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Stephen Curry | SG<\/strong>: Brandin Podziemski | SG<\/strong>: Moses Moody | SF<\/strong>: Jimmy Butler | PF\/C<\/strong>: Draymond Green<\/p> Injuries:<\/strong> Jonathan Kuminga is OUT.<\/p> Mavericks: Doing well despite the turmoil<\/strong><\/p> The Mavericks enter the affair after an impressive 111-103 win against the New Orleans Pelicans as Kyrie Irving poured in 35 points. They are on a three-game winning streak and have won five out of their last six games. They have scored 118.5 PPG in that period, with a league-best 41.1% shooting clip from deep. They have been tremendous on the defensive end, limiting opponents to just 10.2 three-pointers made(2nd) in the six-game window. These are remarkable numbers after the departure of their franchise face Luka Doncic and the injury to their new superstar Anthony Davis.<\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Dante Exum | PG<\/strong>: Kyrie Irving | SG\/SF<\/strong>: Klay Thompson | SF\/PF<\/strong>: Kessler Edwards | PF\/C<\/strong>: P.J. Washington <\/p> Injuries<\/strong>: Dwight Powell, Caleb Martin, Anthony Davis, Derek Lively II, and Daniel Gafford are OUT.<\/p> The Warriors have scored 120+ points in three of the last five games, as Jimmy Butler has bolstered them emphatically on that end while Stephen Curry is playing at his peak. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have scored 116 or more points in five of the last seven games. However, the Warriors’ defense has been marginally better in that period, conceding 111 or fewer points in five straight games. At any rate, both teams will likely go past the 110-point mark here but remain below 120. <\/p> Exact Predictions:<\/strong><\/p>Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks Total Over\/Under Prediction<\/h2>