Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Mavericks and Warriors Face Off Following NBA Cup Disappointment

Two Western Conference heavyweights, the Dallas Mavericks (14-9) and Golden State Warriors (12-11), square off Sunday night in San Francisco, both seeking redemption after falling in the NBA Cup semifinals earlier this week.

The Mavericks lost 118-104 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Warriors suffered a nail-biting 91-90 defeat to the Houston Rockets. With their hopes of competing in Las Vegas dashed, both teams now shift focus to regular-season success.

Mavericks Look to Rebound Behind Thompson

Dallas enters the rematch after struggling with illness and a tough loss in Oklahoma City. Klay Thompson, facing his former team in San Francisco for the second time this season, will look to make an impact. Thompson scored 22 points in his first return to Chase Center, although his season average of 13.3 points is his lowest since his rookie year.

Despite the dip in scoring, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Thompson’s value:
“His fit is perfect for what we need. Klay is a true pro; he comes to work ready to play. We’ve been lucky to have him.”

Luka Dončić continues to power Dallas, averaging 31.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. The Mavericks will need a strong all-around performance to compete with Golden State’s balanced attack.

Warriors Seek Home-Court Resilience

The Warriors, coming off a tough loss in Houston, are eager to rediscover consistency. Buddy Hield, brought in to replace Thompson, has been a bright spot, averaging 14.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 42.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Head coach Steve Kerr sees room for improvement, particularly in late-game situations:
“It’s on us as a group — coaches, players — to make these improvements and start closing these games out.”

Golden State is hoping for the return of Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody, who missed the Houston game due to injuries. Their availability will play a key role in the team’s ability to defend home court and contain Dallas’ high-powered offense.

Key Matchup: Dončić vs. Warriors’ Perimeter Defense

Luka Dončić remains the focal point for Dallas, but Golden State’s defensive rotations and three-point efficiency will be critical in slowing the Mavericks’ offensive rhythm. Meanwhile, Thompson and Hield provide contrasting offensive dynamics, making the battle on the perimeter a game-deciding factor.

Keys to the Game

Dallas Mavericks:

• Support for Dončić: Thompson and the supporting cast must step up to complement Dončić’s scoring.
• Limit Turnovers: Protect the ball to prevent Golden State from capitalizing on transition opportunities.
• Defend the Arc: Contain Hield’s long-distance shooting and limit open looks for Warriors shooters.

Golden State Warriors:

• Close the Game: Address late-game execution to convert competitive games into wins.
• Balance the Attack: Continue spreading the scoring load across Hield, Curry, and other contributors.
• Contain Dončić: Employ defensive schemes to limit Dončić’s ability to control the game.

Get the latest on the rising star in Victor Wembanyama Odds & Predictions!

Matchup Outlook

Both teams face a pivotal moment in their seasons, and Sunday’s contest offers an opportunity to right recent wrongs. The Mavericks aim to bounce back from health issues and a tough stretch, while the Warriors seek to protect home court and tighten up their late-game execution.

With high-profile storylines like Thompson’s return and the teams’ shared disappointment in the NBA Cup, this game promises intensity and intrigue. Fans can expect a competitive clash between two teams eager to get back on track.