The Dallas Mavericks are focused on shaking off a trend of sluggish starts as they prepare to host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Trailing after the first quarter in five of their first seven games, the Mavericks have struggled to find an early rhythm, something head coach Jason Kidd is keen to address.
“Our MO has been these slow starts,” Kidd said. “We need better energy, and we’ve been flat at home. The ball has to move; everyone has to be involved.”
The Mavericks are coming off a 134-127 home loss to the Indiana Pacers, in which they trailed 15-2 early. Despite a strong showing from Luka Doncic, who scored 34 points and added 15 assists, and Kyrie Irving with 27 points, Dallas couldn’t recover from the early deficit. Reserve forward Naji Marshall contributed 20 points off the bench but admits the team needs a more cohesive start.
Bulls Limp into Dallas with Key Injuries
The Chicago Bulls enter Wednesday’s game dealing with their issues, particularly with injuries. Star guard Zach LaVine, sidelined by an adductor strain, is questionable for the matchup, adding to the absence of Lonzo Ball, who has been out with a sprained wrist since October. The Bulls lost their last game 135-126 to the previously winless Utah Jazz, a performance marked by defensive lapses.
“We’re not where we need to be defensively,” center Nikola Vucevic admitted after the Utah loss. “We couldn’t get consistent stops or rebounds.”
Vucevic, who recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds in the loss, has been a consistent force, while Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu added 28 and 25 points, respectively. However, the Bulls’ defensive struggles—allowing the sixth-most points in the league—pose a vulnerability the Mavericks may look to exploit.
Dallas Hopes to Capitalize on Bulls’ Defensive Gaps
For Dallas, Wednesday’s game presents a chance to overcome slow starts against a Bulls team grappling with injuries and defensive woes. With their recent losses highlighting rebounding and defensive coordination issues, the Bulls’ struggles might give the Mavericks an opening to regain offensive momentum.
The Mavericks, who swept their season series against Chicago last year, will aim to repeat that success, capitalizing on Chicago’s weakened lineup and defensive gaps to turn their slow-start narrative around.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.