The schedule matters here. Dallas is the 2nd stop on an 8-game Minnesota homestand that started with Utah, and the Wolves want to bank wins on it before Edwards gets back. Both teams already played Utah and won it by double digits. Both also lost to San Antonio, Dallas by a single point on the road. Not much separates them on paper, and tipoff is 7:00 PM CT.
The frontcourt is where Dallas is vulnerable. Dereck Lively II has been out with a foot injury since before the season. Morez Johnson Jr. sat the Pacers game with a leg issue and is listed day-to-day. Indiana took advantage early, leading 66-56 at the half before the Mavericks took over after the break. A Minnesota team that controls the glass could make Flagg do even more work than he did Monday, and he already did plenty.
Minnesota's weak spot is the backcourt. Edwards is out and Donte DiVincenzo is still working back from his Achilles injury, so the Wolves have 2 fewer guards than they planned on. That's a problem against Irving, who can take over a game by himself. Ball and Dosunmu have kept the offense going so far, but they haven't had to guard a backcourt like this one. Thursday's game probably comes down to that matchup: Irving and Flagg trying to get downhill against a Wolves team that has replaced Edwards' scoring better than anyone expected.
The board isn't open yet, so there are no picks on this one for now. Two teams that won their way into November without some important pieces is a good enough reason to watch.
