Oklahoma City did well to cover and win against Phoenix on Monday following two major injuries in Sunday's win over the Clippers. Jalen Williams fractured his fibula and dislocated his left ankle and is likely done for the season. Cason Wallace tore the labrum in his left shoulder and is expected to miss the majority of the year.
The Thunder have already ruled out six players for Wednesday's game in Dallas. Williams and Wallace are joined by Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber. Ajay Mitchell, who scored a career-high 30 on Monday, is questionable with an ankle sprain. Wednesday will be their second road game of the season, and the first since opening night in San Antonio. Back-to-back MVP Shai is healthy, and it is 2017 Westbrook time.
Mavs fans should be overjoyed by Cooper Flagg's start to the season. He looked like a man amongst boys against the Pacers last week, scoring 14 in 17 minutes of a 34-point halftime lead before leaving with a shoulder injury. He missed one game and came back Monday in Miami for his second win as a 7.5-point underdog in a week. The 19-year-old went toe to toe with Giannis Antetokounmpo, matching his game-high 29 points and 11 assists. He also added five steals and three blocks, including a clutch block on Andrew Wiggins' three in the final minute. He looks every bit of the #1 overall pick.
Oklahoma City swept Dallas last season, winning both games in Dallas by 7 and 13. H2H bettors look away. OKC has embodied the Warriors dynasty mantra of "Strength in Numbers" for the last few seasons, but this roster raises questions. Kyrie Irving is questionable with knee management, but I expect him to suit up alongside Flagg. The Mavericks have athletic wings capable of making life difficult for SGA, and I'm uncertain if Josh Dix, Bennett Stirtz and Kenrich Williams can score enough around him in a nationally televised road game.
Thunder vs Mavericks prediction: Mavericks +6.5 (-111) available at time of publishing. Playable to +5.5.
