Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions December 10th 2024

Mavericks, Thunder Continue Growing Rivalry in NBA Cup Quarters

The stage is set for a thrilling clash as the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder face off Tuesday in the NBA Cup’s quarterfinals in Oklahoma City. This budding rivalry, fueled by elite talent and close contests, is poised to deliver another memorable chapter.

Spotlight on Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander

The marquee matchup centers around two of the NBA’s brightest stars: Luka Doncic of the Mavericks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder. Both finished in the top three of last season’s MVP voting, with Gilgeous-Alexander taking second and Doncic placing third.

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Doncic has been on fire since returning from a right wrist sprain that sidelined him for five games. Over his past four games, he’s averaging a near triple-double with 31.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists. His back-to-back triple-doubles have vaulted him past Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden into seventh on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list (79).

“When you talk about his skill set, filling up the stat sheet, he’s had two here, he can run them off,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s starting to get into a groove.”

Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander has been equally sensational, scoring at least 30 points in six of his past seven games. The Thunder star was pivotal in last season’s playoff series against the Mavericks, averaging 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.

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Both teams are red hot entering the contest.

• Dallas: Riding a league-best seven-game winning streak, the Mavericks have found their rhythm behind Doncic’s brilliance.
• Oklahoma City: Winners of seven of their past eight games, including three straight, the Thunder are surging despite injuries to key players like Chet Holmgren.

The Season Series

Tuesday’s game marks the second meeting of the season between the teams. The Mavericks edged the Thunder 121-119 on Nov. 17 in Oklahoma City, with Doncic sidelined by a bruised right knee. In his absence, P.J. Washington stepped up with 27 points and 17 rebounds, both career highs.

Close games have been a hallmark of this rivalry, with six of the past nine regular-season matchups decided by single digits.

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Key Players to Watch

Isaiah Hartenstein has been a revelation for the Thunder since returning from a hand injury that kept him out of the season’s first 15 games. The 7-footer is averaging 11.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in his eight games back, helping Oklahoma City compensate for Holmgren’s absence.

“He’s a phenomenal passer,” said Thunder guard Alex Caruso. “People don’t talk about him as a passer as a big in the league. Obviously (Denver’s Nikola) Jokic is in a category of his own, but Hartenstein is special in his own way.”

For Dallas, Washington and Naji Marshall are questionable due to illness, while Jaden Hardy (ankle) and Maxi Kleber (illness) are out. Washington played in Saturday’s win over Toronto, but his availability remains uncertain.

What’s at Stake

This game not only advances the winner to the NBA Cup semifinals but also counts in the regular-season standings, adding an extra layer of intensity.

With Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the action and both teams in top form, the Mavericks and Thunder promise to deliver a high-stakes showdown that could further intensify their burgeoning rivalry.