Nets At Mavs Preview: Dallas Owns Unusual NBA Advantage?

It's not too often when the recent-era Dallas Mavs have some sort of historical edge against an NBA opponent.

But that is indeed the case on Sunday night.

The Brooklyn Nets play at the Mavericks on Sunday in a 6:30 p.m. CT) at the American Airlines Center in Dallas ... and the home team looks to have some advantages here.

Three of them, to be exact.

One, the Nets entered the weekend at just 2–6, while the Mavericks are 5–4.

Two, it will be the second night of a back-to-back for Brooklyn, which played in Atlanta on Saturday night before traveling to Dallas. ... and the Nets lost a close one to the Hawks, so now they are a dismal 2-7.

And three - and here's the stunning number: In recent head-to-head meetings, Dallas has won five of their last six games against Brooklyn, including the last three straight.

Can the Mavs continue that string?

They can if Cooper Flagg continues to lead Dallas as he's done. The second-year standout is averaging 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.

Also a major helper, of course, is Kyrie Irving, who is pitching in with 22.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.

How do the Nets counter?

Michael Porter Jr. leads Brooklyn with 21.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game ... and we have to note the presence of DFW native Julius Randle, who so often has his way with his hometown team and who this year is averaging 21 points and 4.8 assists per game for Brooklyn.

Irving, Santi Aldama and Max Christie are all off the Dallas injury report for this one. All three had been listed as probable for Friday’s 112-100 win over the Utah Jazz. ... and all three did indeed participate.

The Mavericks are expected to start Flagg and Irving, along with Max Christie, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford.If Co

WHO: The Dallas Mavs at 5-4 play host to the Brooklyn Nets at 2-7.

WHERE: The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

WHEN: Tipoff is slated for Sunday night at 6 p.m. CT.

MEDIA: MavsTV+ and KFAA 105.3 The Fan / KFZO-FM

ODDS: The Dallas Mavericks are 8.5-point favorites.