Nick Angstadt here, the host of the daily Locked On Mavericks podcast, with your daily Locked On Mavericks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Mavericks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Dallas Mavericks Secure Victory Against Portland Trail Blazers with Clutch Fourth Quarter
Jan 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and guard Quentin Grimes (5) celebrate during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off an impressive win against the Portland Trail Blazers, thanks to a dominant 16-0 run in the fourth quarter. This game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams trading runs throughout the contest. However, it was the Mavericks who ultimately seized control when it mattered most.
Dereck Lively II played a pivotal role in the victory, showcasing his defensive prowess against Portland’s perimeter players. The 20-year-old center held his own when switched onto guards like Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, demonstrating the versatility that makes him such a valuable asset for Dallas. Lively’s ability to defend in space without fouling was crucial, as he logged 35 minutes while committing only three fouls.
Offensively, Lively was equally impressive, finishing the game with 21 points and 16 rebounds. His performance on both ends of the floor was instrumental in sparking the Mavericks’ game-changing run in the fourth quarter.
P.J. Washington continued to prove his worth as a key addition to the Mavericks roster. Washington contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds, along with three steals and a block. His clutch shooting, particularly from the corners, has become a staple of the Mavericks’ late-game strategy. Washington’s impact goes beyond the box score, as the team’s record with him on the court (21-10) compared to when he’s absent (1-6) speaks volumes about his importance to the squad.
Jaden Hardy provided a much-needed scoring punch, especially in the first half where he notched 18 points. Hardy’s ability to keep the Mavericks within striking distance when the Trail Blazers were threatening to pull away was crucial. He finished the game with 25 points on efficient 10-of-18 shooting, including five three-pointers.
Spencer Dinwiddie also made significant contributions, tallying 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists without committing a turnover. His ability to create offense, particularly in late-clock situations, proved valuable for the Mavericks throughout the game.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ victory over the Trail Blazers, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Must Read In a new interview, Luka Dončić gets candid about the challenges of fame and the pressures that come with being a star player. (Mavs Moneyball)
Analysis Bleacher Report poses the Dallas Mavericks’ toughest question ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline, analyzing the strategic decisions they face to strengthen their roster. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
The Dallas Mavericks suffered a controversial loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game marred by a missed goaltending call. How did the Mavs respond without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and what impact did the officiating have on the NBA game’s outcome?
The Dallas Mavericks are searching for their next elite defender to complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Can the Mavs find a hidden gem like they did with Derrick Jones Jr. last season to bolster their NBA championship aspirations?
The Dallas Mavericks suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Nuggets despite building a 19-point lead. How did the Mavs, playing without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, manage to compete against a healthy Nuggets squad featuring Nikola Jokic?
