The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the struggling Portland Trail Blazers, who are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 9-19 record. Portland has lost six consecutive games against Dallas, including a recent 137-131 defeat.

Key players for the Blazers include guards Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, with DeAndre Ayton leading the team in rebounds. Despite their challenges, the Mavericks are expected to secure a victory, even in the absence of Luka Doncic.