It's been about five months since the Chicago Bulls last took on the Dallas Mavericks. In the 119-99 defeat, the Bulls' offense was dreadful. Nikola Vucevic led the team in scoring, dropping merely 14 points. Chicago shot 41.9 percent from the floor and 28.6 percent from downtown.
The Mavericks didn't shoot much better than the Bulls but still managed 119 points in the contest. Former Mav, Luka Doncic scored 27 against Chicago. The five-time All-Star contributed 13 assists and four steals. Doncic recorded an incredible plus/minus of plus-35. Luckily for the Bulls, Doncic is no longer a Maverick—he suits up for the same squad Chicago defeated two days ago off a last-second halfcourt heave.
In exchange for Doncic, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, who's only played three contests for Dallas. The 32-year-old big man suffered an adductor strain in his first appearance with the Mavericks and made his return to the hardwood nearly two months later on March 24. In two games since his return from injury, Davis has averaged only 13.5 points. But, most importantly, Dallas is 3-0 with AD in the lineup.
The Mavericks injury report is lengthy
While Davis remains on the injury report, he's been listed as probable. Thus, the 6-foot-10 big man should be ready to go versus the Bulls. However, two of the Mavericks' other bigs, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, are nearing a return, but have ultimately been listed as doubtful ahead of tonight's matchup.
The former Bull, Gafford, has been out of the lineup since February 10 with a knee sprain. He's been listed as out for every contest prior to tonight's clash. The 6-foot-10 big man has been upgraded to doubtful as he nears his return. Like Gafford, second-year center Lively II has been upgraded to doubtful after being on the shelf for over two months with a stress fracture in his ankle.
Without Gafford and Lively II, expect Kai Jones or Dwight Powell to earn the start at center next to Davis. Jones has started all but one contest for the Mavs this season. However, he exited Dallas' most recent matchup early with a hip contusion. There's a chance Powell gets the starting nod. If not, the Canadian big man will still see at least 15 minutes against the Bulls.
Multiple Chicago guards remain on the mend
As opposed to Dallas, Chicago's injury report is much less fluid. The same trio of guards, Lonzo Ball, Tre Jones, and Ayo Dosunmu, remain out. Donsunu's status will not change, as he recently underwent shoulder surgery. Moreover, Ball is close to a comeback, and Jones is set to return in early April.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Tre Jones (Left Midfoot Sprain).
Doubtful: Lonzo Ball (Right Wrist Sprain).
Dallas Mavericks
Out: Dante Exum (Left Hand Fracture).
Doubtful: Daniel Gafford (Right Knee Sprain), Dereck Lively II (Right Ankle Stress fracture).
Questionable: Kai Jones (Left Hip Contusion), P.J. Washington (Left Ankle Sprain).
Probable: Anthony Davis (Left Adductor Strain), Caleb Martin (Right Hip Strain), Brandon Williams (Low Back Tightness).