Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks: Match Preview and Predictions - 16th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks
Date & Time: Saturday, 16th November 2019 (8:30 PM ET)
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Last game results
Toronto Raptors (8-3): 114-106 win against the Portland Trail Blazers (13th November, Wednesday)
Dallas Mavericks (6-5): 106-103 loss to the New York Knicks (14th November, Thursday)
Toronto Raptors Preview
The Toronto Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard in the off-season as a result of which many believed they would struggle to stay relevant this campaign.
However, the Raptors have exceeded expectations 11 games into the new season and occupy the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference Standings.
The Raptors have had big contributions from the likes of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet thus far and enter their next clash, against the Dallas Mavericks, on the back of a dominant victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Key Player - Pascal Siakam
Following the departure of Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam was tasked with leading the franchise into a new era and he has stepped up to the task admirably.
Siakam has taken his game to a whole new level this season and is currently averaging 27.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game on 49% shooting from the field.
His new and improved outside shot has also been on display this season and he is connecting with 37.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Siakam has already had 5 games in which he's scored at least 30 points and he will be looking to continue in the same vein when he squares off against the Mavericks.
Raptors predicted lineup
Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher, Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell
Dallas Mavericks Preview
After a disappointing 14th-place finish in the West last season, the Dallas Mavericks entered the new season hoping to make noticeable improvements.
They started their campaign brightly, winning five of their first seven games. However, they've since suffered a couple of setbacks, with twin defeats to the New York Knicks bringing them crashing back down to earth.
They are in the midst of a two-game skid and will next take on the defending champions, Toronto Raptors.
2019 Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic has continued to put up dazzling numbers on a regular basis but he needs more support from his teammates going forward.
Key Player - Luka Doncic
After a sensational rookie campaign in which he averaged 22.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, many questioned whether Doncic could maintain such a high level this time around.
The Slovenian has answered that question in style; he has started the new season in blistering fashion and is averaging 28.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game.
He is shooting 48% from the field and has almost singlehandedly carried the Mavericks to a 6-5 start.
Mavericks predicted lineup
Kristaps Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, Luka Doncic, Seth Curry
Raptors vs Mavericks Match Prediction
The Raptors have dominated the recent head to head between these two sides, winning seven of their last eight meetings.
However, they will be extremely shorthanded for this fixture, with Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and OG Anunoby all set to miss out due to injury.
The Mavericks have not been at their best of late, but they do tend to step up their game against better opposition - they defeated the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, and also pushed the Lakers to OT.
Doncic has been on fire and if he can have another big game, the Mavericks should be able to end their two-game losing streak and get back on track.
Where to Watch Raptors vs Mavericks?
The game will be broadcast on FOX Sports Southwest and TSN from 8:30 PM (ET). You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.