Dallas arrives with the stronger record and power-index standing, but Cleveland’s high-scoring backcourt can make this a test of the Mavericks’ defense.
Dallas brings a 7-5 record and No. 13 power-index rank to Cleveland, ahead of the Cavaliers at 6-7 and No. 17. Cleveland averages 116.8 points per game, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 299 points and James Harden’s 223 through 13 games apiece. Dallas counters with Cooper Flagg, who has 271 points in 11 games, while the Mavericks allow just 112.2 points per game. The key is whether Mitchell and Harden can crack that defense and keep pace with Flagg, whose scoring gives Dallas a potent answer to Cleveland’s attack.