NBA Game of the Week Preview: Mavericks vs. Heat

The Dallas Mavericks will host the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center this Thursday in what is expected to be a hot heated matchup of the teams of trade.

Both teams have made significant trades over the past month, with high-profile players coming and going, setting the stage for an exciting game.

The Heat are currently positioned as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Mavericks sit in the eighth spot in the West, adding further stakes and a set of the clashing of teams on the playoff bubble.

These two teams only have 76 regular-season matchups in the history of this rivalry, dating back to 1988.

While this matchup may seem like a typical regular season battle, it is anything but. The Heat have a slight lead in the all-time series with 39 wins compared to the Mavericks 37.

Miami also won the earlier matchup this season, giving them the upper hand in the overall head-to-head standings. However, in the last five games between the two, Dallas has managed to win three, leaving the teams somewhat evenly matched.

Dallas Mavericks:

The Mavericks enter this game sitting in the eighth spot in the competitive Western Conference with a record of 28-25. Leaving themselves in a tight race for a playoff berth. Last year the team made the NBA Championship, so now barely looking to even just make the postseason shows a shift in the team.

Currently, they are positioned between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers. With teams like the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors also fighting for a secured postseason spot, Dallas knows it must improve to remain in playoff contention.

One of the more notable changes for the Mavericks was the trade of their star player, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a controversial trade in return, they secured big man Anthony Davis, who immediately showcased his ball knowledge and skill with an impressive 26 points and 16 rebounds in his debut with Dallas.

Davis did have to leave the game early in the second half due to injury, but it is not believed to be a long term cause of concern.

If Davis remains healthy, his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor could calm the storm the Mavericks franchise has been experiencing since the announcement of the trade.

Alongside Davis, the Mavericks are benefiting from still having point guard Kyrie Irving. The 32-year-old has been exceptional this season, averaging 24.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

Miami Heat:

On the other side of the court, the Miami Heat come into this game looking to break the ice on their .500 record with this Thursday's game. They currently sit just outside the top six seeds.

A win here could serve as the springboard they need to put together a strong stretch of games after their recent rough patch.

Miami's recent roster changes have been crucial as well. With Jimmy Butler leaving the franchise before the trade deadline to join the Golden State Warriors, the Heat brought in Canadian forward Andrew Wiggins.

Wiggins is averaging 17.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season. He is looking to break in and bring this spark to the team. After playing 43 games this season, Wiggins is eager to start fresh in Miami and make an immediate impact.

Adding to Miami's offensive firepower is their leading scorer, point guard Tyler Herro. The 24-year-old is having a breakout season, averaging 23.7 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds and assists per game.

Herro’s ability to create offense, both for himself and others, will be critical. His scoring has been a constant, and he will need to lead Miami offensively to challenge Dallas.

A Crucial Game for Both Teams

As both teams battle for playoff positioning, this Thursday's game holds significant implications for their respective seasons. Dallas is fighting to secure a solid standing in the tightly contested West, while Miami hopes to capitalize on recent additions and improve their spot in the East.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.