The Golden State Warriors will host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday for what's shaping up to be an exciting Western Conference showdown. With both teams tangled up in the playoff race, this matchup at the Chase Center is not to be missed.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM Eastern Time as the Warriors, currently sitting ninth with a 29-27 record, face off against the eighth-place Mavericks, who boast a 31-26 record after winning three consecutive games. This contest marks another turning point for both franchises, especially following significant trades made just before the deadline.
The Warriors added star player Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, who has brought energy and versatility to the lineup. Butler has averaged 21.3 points per game since joining the team and is coming off a stellar performance where he contributed 17 points and seven assists against the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors' recent form is promising; they secured a decisive 132-108 victory against the Kings, with four players crossing the 20-point mark—Moses Moody and Buddy Hield leading the charge with 22 points each, followed closely by Stephen Curry with 20 points.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks shocked many by trading their franchise player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Davis’s absence due to injury continues to be felt prominently on the floor. Nonetheless, the Mavericks, under the leadership of Kyrie Irving, are adapting well. Irving recently scored 35 points to propel Dallas to victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. P.J. Washington also played key roles, contributing 24 points and seven rebounds.
Both teams are working through injury struggles—Davis remains sidelined, and Washington carries the questionable label for the game. Despite these challenges, Irving’s ability to score consistently has kept the Mavericks competitive, with him averaging at least 30 points over his last few games, including his previous 42-point outing against the Warriors.
The Warriors are favored by nine points according to the latest odds, with the total points set at 229.5. Reports indicate the Warriors hold exceptional records when they hit 20 or more three-pointers, which they achieved against Sacramento. Their ability to shoot from distance remains one of their most potent weapons, alongside their rapidly improving defense, which has led the league statistically for steals over the past five games.
Both head coaches will utilize strategies stemming from this new ultra-small-ball lineup as they adjust to the absence of dominant big men. Coach Steve Kerr’s decision to empower Butler to facilitate exciting action will likely play to their home court advantages.
The last time these teams met on February 12, the Mavericks edged out the Warriors with a narrow 111-107 victory, underscoring the competitive nature of this season's matchups between them. Fans are eager to see if the Warriors can leverage their home-court advantage for redemption.
Looking for something to stream the game? You can catch it live on various platforms including ABC, ESPN+, and popular streaming services like FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling.
The atmosphere will be electrifying, especially with the Warriors set to honor the legacy of four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala by retiring his jersey during this matchup. It’s also Jimmy Butler's Chase Center debut as he continues to forge his place with Golden State.
All of this adds another layer to what should be a thrilling contest. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both teams approach this pivotal moment of the season, and what it means for their playoff standings moving forward.
Be sure to tune in and experience all the action as the Warriors and Mavericks fight for supremacy on the court today!