Beat-Up Mavericks Out to Take Down Pistons

The Dallas Mavericks continue their five-game road trip on Friday with a visit to Detroit, hoping to keep their momentum despite a depleted lineup. The Pistons, meanwhile, begin a season-high six-game homestand after a mixed road stretch.

Mavs Overcoming Injuries with Frontcourt Depth

Dallas (30-20) started its road swing with a thrilling 137-136 victory over New Orleans on Wednesday, despite missing several key players, including Luka Doncic (calf).

With Dereck Lively II (ankle), Maxi Kleber (foot), and Dwight Powell (hip) sidelined, frontcourt duo P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford stepped up:

• Washington: 25 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists
• Gafford: 22 points (9-for-9 FG), 12 rebounds, 4 blocks

“We don’t have a choice at this moment,” Washington said. “As long as we play together, it doesn’t matter who’s on the court.”

Head coach Jason Kidd praised both Washington and Gafford, noting their impact in protecting the rim, rebounding, and scoring efficiently.

The Mavs will lean on Kyrie Irving (25 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists vs. New Orleans) and their evolving rotation as they face Detroit for the first time this season.

Pistons Look to Bounce Back at Home

Detroit (8-43) returns from a five-game road trip where they won the first two but lost the last three, including a 133-119 defeat to Indiana on Wednesday.

Cade Cunningham, who scored 32 points and dished 9 assists in the loss, voiced his frustration about officiating:

“Tough loss. I think there was a lot of extracurricular stuff that (messed) the game up for us,” Cunningham said.

The game also saw head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Tim Hardaway Jr. pick up technical fouls, while Isaiah Stewart was ejected for a flagrant foul.

Despite the setback, Bickerstaff is confident in the team’s fight, saying:

“Our guys care and compete at a high level. There is no opponent that we are going to shy away from. We are going to earn the respect of this league.”

Cunningham has been on a tear in February, averaging 26.8 points and 8.7 assists per game. Detroit will need another strong outing from him to take advantage of Dallas’ injury woes.

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Key Matchups and Storylines

• P.J. Washington vs. Detroit’s Frontcourt – Washington’s all-around impact will be crucial against the Pistons’ physical interior defense.
• Cade Cunningham’s Playmaking – Cunningham has been dominant offensively, but can he rally the Pistons to break their losing streak?
• Dallas’ Depth Production – With Luka Doncic still out, can players like Gafford and Hardaway Jr. continue stepping up?

Game Outlook

The Mavericks are fighting through injuries but still finding ways to win, while the Pistons are eager to capitalize on home-court advantage. If Cunningham stays hot, Detroit has a chance to make things interesting.