Charlotte Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks: Game Preview and Prediction, February 27, 2025

The Charlotte Hornets are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This matchup features a Mavericks team aiming to solidify their playoff position against a Hornets squad looking to break a four-game losing streak.

Team Performance and Standings

• Dallas Mavericks (31-28): Currently 9th in the Western Conference, the Mavericks are on a three-game home winning streak. Despite a recent 107-99 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas has been strong at home, boasting an 18-11 record. The team averages 115.1 points per game, ranking 8th in the league for field goal percentage at 47.6%. Defensively, they allow 113.4 points per game.

• Charlotte Hornets (14-43): Positioned 14th in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets have struggled, especially on the road with a 5-23 record. They are currently on a four-game losing streak, including a recent 128-92 defeat to the Golden State Warriors. Offensively, Charlotte averages 105.4 points per game, while defensively, they concede 112.9 points per game.

Key Players

• Dallas Mavericks:

  • Kyrie Irving (PG): Leading the team with 24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, Irving's playmaking is crucial for the Mavericks' offense.

  • Klay Thompson (SG): Averaging 22 points per game, Thompson provides a significant perimeter threat.

  • P.J. Washington (PF): Contributing 15.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Washington adds versatility to the frontcourt.

• Charlotte Hornets:

  • LaMelo Ball (PG): Leading the team with 26.3 points and 7.1 assists per game, Ball's performance is pivotal for the Hornets' offense.

  • Miles Bridges (SF): Averaging 20.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, Bridges offers consistency on both ends of the floor.

  • Nick Smith Jr. (SG): Adding 15.2 points per game, Smith Jr. provides additional scoring depth.

Injury Updates

• Dallas Mavericks:

  • Anthony Davis (PF/C): Out due to an adductor injury; re-evaluation is scheduled for March 6.

  • Daniel Gafford (C): Out with a right knee sprain; expected to be re-evaluated on March 6.

  • Dereck Lively II (C): Sidelined with a right ankle stress fracture; re-evaluation on March 6.

  • Caleb Martin (SF): Out with an undisclosed injury; no timetable for return.

  • P.J. Washington (PF): Questionable due to a right ankle sprain; game-time decision.

  • Dwight Powell (C): Questionable with a right hip injury; game-time decision.

• Charlotte Hornets:

  • No Data Available

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: Mavericks favored by 10.5 points.

• Over/Under: Set at 223.5 points.

• Moneyline: Mavericks -437, Hornets +329.

Prediction

Considering the Mavericks' strong home performance and the Hornets' struggles on the road, Dallas is favored to secure a victory in this matchup. The potential absence of key players like LaMelo Ball could further tilt the game in favor of the Mavericks. Bettors might consider the Mavericks to cover the spread, with the total points potentially going under 223.5, given both teams' recent offensive outputs.

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