DHJ Quick Take
- Contrast in Momentum: The Dallas Mavericks entered Moda Center on Friday desperate to snap a five-game losing streak against a Portland Trail Blazers squad that had won five of its last six.
- Postseason Push: Portland entered the matchup having clinched its first postseason berth in five years, sitting just a half-game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth seed.
- Health Check: Cooper Flagg was cleared to play after a hand injury scare in Denver, while Daniel Gafford remained out for a second straight game with a shoulder sprain.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Dallas Mavericks arrive at Moda Center on Friday night having lost five straight. The Portland Trail Blazers arrive having won five of their last six.
The timing could not be worse for Dallas. Portland has climbed back to .500 at 37-37, clinching a postseason berth for the first time in five seasons and sitting a half-game behind the Los Angeles Clippers in the chase for eighth place in the Western Conference. Interim coach Tiago Splitter has his group playing with genuine urgency, treating every home game as a playoff game.
“The mentality now is we have a special thing going on to finish this season here,” Splitter said. “We are in a good spot where we gotta take care at home here, win these games.”
Jason Kidd Evaluates Scoot Henderson and Portland Trail Blazers’ Bench Depth
The Blazers have won four of their last five at Moda Center. Scoot Henderson scored 23 points off the bench in a 130-99 blowout of the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, with Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant each adding 18. Portland’s reserves outscored Milwaukee’s 57-24 in that contest.
Jason Kidd acknowledged the challenge Portland presents, even offering congratulations to the franchise’s new ownership group.
“They’re very talented and can give you a lot of different looks,” Kidd said. “They can defend and score, and they’re shooting the three as well as anyone right now. There’s a lot of leadership in that locker room — Jrue Holiday helps a young team, Scoot coming off the bench is very talented, and they have defensive pieces too. It’s a good time for Portland basketball.”
Kidd also spoke to the development of Henderson as a player worth monitoring for the Mavericks’ defense.
“For Scoot, it’s just time — running through reps, understanding what defenses are doing,” Kidd said. “There’s always high expectations, but there’s a process, especially at that position.”
Naji Marshall and Brandon Williams on Defensive Poise and Physicality
Naji Marshall did not mince words before Friday’s game regarding the physicality of the matchup.
“Very physical team,” Marshall told Dallas Hoops Journal. “They finish at the basket very good. They protect the basket very good as well. They can shoot the three. They play fast. It’s all around a great team.”
Brandon Williams, whose first NBA game came with the Trail Blazers, zeroed in on the defensive challenge Portland presents for him as a ball-handler.
“They’re going to be super physical on the ball, picking up full court, be a little rowdy,” Williams told Dallas Hoops Journal. “So it’s kind of the same thing as last game — be poised, be under control as a point guard, and keep turnovers down.”
Turnovers have been a point of emphasis all week for Dallas. The Mavericks committed 21 against the Golden State Warriors on Monday before finishing with just four in Wednesday’s loss in Denver. Kidd credited the improvement but acknowledged the defense has lagged behind a recently productive offense.
“But we’ve been struggling guarding the three-point line,” Kidd added. “Teams have been shooting at a higher percentage than normal. As much as we’ve talked about protecting the paint, we have to do that as a team — especially without Gafford.”
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report: Cooper Flagg Cleared; Daniel Gafford Out
Protecting the paint without Daniel Gafford will again be the assignment on Friday. Gafford is out for a second straight game with a right shoulder sprain. Dwight Powell drew the start in Denver and is expected to again anchor the frontcourt alongside P.J. Washington, who contributed 19 points and 15 rebounds Wednesday.
Marshall spoke to his own growth in a versatile role this season, something Dallas will lean on heavily against Portland’s physicality.
“Just reading the game a little bit more,” Marshall said. “Reading the whole floor, both hands on the floor, getting my team runs involved, and just knowing how to attack matchups and different types of defensive schemes.”
Cooper Flagg, who left Wednesday’s game with his right hand wrapped and iced after an awkward fourth-quarter landing, was not listed on the injury report and is set to play. Williams continues his return from the concussion protocol, while two-way player Tyler Smith is also available.
The Mavericks tip off against the Trail Blazers at 9 p.m. CT at Moda Center on Friday.
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Ahead of Tonight’s Game in Portland
- Brandon Williams Details Return From Concussion And What The Dallas Mavericks Need Against Portland Trail Blazers
- Cooper Flagg Not Listed On Dallas Mavericks Injury Report Against Portland Trail Blazers After Hand Injury Scare
- Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin Ruled Out As Dallas Mavericks Update Injury Report Against Portland Trail Blazers
- Brandon Williams’ Return Gives Dallas Mavericks A Needed Boost In Loss To Denver Nuggets
- ‘Get Ready For The Next One’: Cooper Flagg Addresses Right Hand Injury After Dallas Mavericks’ Loss To Denver Nuggets
- New NBA Mock Draft Links Dallas Mavericks To Guard Compared To Jamal Murray
- ‘I Like Making The Right Play’: Cooper Flagg Shows Decision‑Making Beyond His Years As NBA’s Youngest Player
