Raptors vs. Mavericks Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info, and more

A state of the site announcement here: we’re living large on Boxing Day right now and while the updates will try to come through, there’s no guarantee we’ll be right on top of it. That said, the Raptors are in Dallas to play the Mavericks — it tips off in 30 minutes! — and we’ve got to at least turn our minds to it.

So... what are the Toronto-Dallas storylines of note? For the longest time, the Mavericks were a great benign contender in the west. They could win games, put up a fight, even compete for a title. But with Dirk Nowitzki aging into obsolescence (the poor guy), the Mavs have joined him in exhaustion. They’re 9-25, in last place in the conference.

Still: Dennis Smith Jr. is getting up and down, and I suppose we should worry about Harrison Barnes? It feels like only yesterday we wanted the Raps to sign Wesley Matthews. We’ve come a long way.

Let’s just return to our favourite adage. When all else fails, the Raptors are still fun and good. Now let’s watch.

Where to Watch

Sportsnet One, 7:00 PM ET

Lineups

Toronto — Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Dallas — Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews, Maxi Kleber, Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki

Injuries

Toronto — C.J. Miles (Did... did C.J. have to miss Christmas?), Lucas Nogueira (come baaaack)

Dallas — Seth Curry (out), Dorian Finney-Smith (out), Josh McRoberts (out), Nerlens Noel (out)