Tonight’s game between the Mavericks and Portland has been moved up due to weather. Look for that to impact a Portland team that has been very inconsistent off a win. Dallas, has been a team with their depth that can manage key players being out. Due to a bug that hit most players, we did not see that during a five game losing streak. Take the value here on the Mavericks to win convincingly consecutive games for the first time since December 23rd.

Daniel Gafford (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for this game. When he suffered the injury Monday, head coach Jason Kidd said that he expected him to be out “for some time.” Gafford did not play Tuesday against the Lakers and I think he sits again Thursday. Dereck Lively II was limited to 19 minutes against the Lakers because of foul trouble, but he still finished with seven points and six rebounds. Facing the Trail Blazers is much easier than facing Anthony Davis. Expect Lively to stay out of foul trouble, play more and hit this over.

The Mavericks continue to play without Luka Doncic (calf) and Kyrie Irving (back). That has enabled Quentin Grimes to score at least 15 points in four of his last six games. That included a 15-point performance against the Trail Blazers. With added playing time and minutes coming his way again, Grimes could blow past this total.