The Mavs ran out of Bigs last year but I doubt that happens this year. Assuming Lively and AD both miss a quarter of the season, odds are there will be some nights when both are out. Even then, Dallas should still be ok with Gafford, PJW, Flagg, and Naji.
The main reason I'm taking the under on 41.5 wins is this year is I think they'll run out of Guards.
In fact, DLo isn't even hurt (yet) and they might open the season without a PG in the starting lineup! Which clearly ... DOESN"T BODE WELL.
I understand everyone seems to think it could be amazing to start such a huge defensively dominant lineup with Flagg at PG ... but let's not forget Flagg is just replacing Naji Marshall in a lineup that got smoked by Memphis in the play-in. Sure, Flagg is a couple of inches taller ... but Naji Marshall is no slouch. He's a tough defender, a veteran, a bucket getter. Still, the Mavs got smoked by Memphis in the play-in and the top 8-9 guys on this team all played (all except Flagg and DLo). Flagg obviously makes this team better than last year, but that won't translate to winning if Flagg is the PG.
Naji
Klay/Christie
PJW
AD
Lively/Gafford
The main reason I'm taking the under on 41.5 wins is this year is I think they'll run out of Guards.
In fact, DLo isn't even hurt (yet) and they might open the season without a PG in the starting lineup! Which clearly ... DOESN"T BODE WELL.
I understand everyone seems to think it could be amazing to start such a huge defensively dominant lineup with Flagg at PG ... but let's not forget Flagg is just replacing Naji Marshall in a lineup that got smoked by Memphis in the play-in. Sure, Flagg is a couple of inches taller ... but Naji Marshall is no slouch. He's a tough defender, a veteran, a bucket getter. Still, the Mavs got smoked by Memphis in the play-in and the top 8-9 guys on this team all played (all except Flagg and DLo). Flagg obviously makes this team better than last year, but that won't translate to winning if Flagg is the PG.
Naji
Klay/Christie
PJW
AD
Lively/Gafford