NBA 2018-19: Predicted starting lineups and Match Prediction - Milwaukee Bucks v Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks will host the hottest team in the NBA right now, the Milwaukee Bucks, on 9th February.

The Mavericks have been in the spotlight ever since their blockbuster trade to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks. Ever since then the NBA fans have been tantalized at the prospect of him teaming up with another European sensation, Luka Doncic.

Porzingis is currently still recovering from injury and he won't be back on the court soon. But Doncic continued his great rookie season by recording another triple-double in a win against the Charlotte Hornets in the Mavs' previous game. This was Doncic's third triple-double in the last 7 matches.

The Mavericks are currently the 11th ranked team in the Western Conference with a 25-28 record, 3.5 games off the final playoff spot. However, they have been great at home this season, boasting a 19-7 record.

The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, have won 9 out of their last 10 games and have the best record in the entire NBA. They have a 40-13 record this season and have won 17 out of the 26 games that they have played on the road.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is having an MVP-worthy season for the Bucks. He destroyed the Wizards in the last match, going off for 43 points on 17-21 shooting from the floor. Giannis is averaging 27 points per game for the season on 58% shooting from the floor.

Giannis has been aptly supported by his All-Star teammate Khris Middleton who is also having a wonderful season. The Bucks made a great acquisition in Nikola Mirotic at the trade deadline and he gives them another great outside shooting option and will help in spreading the floor.

Here are the predicted starting lineups for the two teams:

Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe (PG), Malcolm Brogdon (SG), Khris Middleton (SF), Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF), Brook Lopez (C).

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic (PG), Jalen Brunson (SG), Tim Hardaway Jr. (SF), Dorian Finney-Smith (PF), Maxi Kleber (C).

Match prediction:

The Bucks have been the best team in the NBA and have the best net differential in the league. The Mavs, on the other hand, have seen plenty of roster changes in the past couple of days and it will take them some time to adjust.

I predict the Bucks to come away with a narrow win in this game against the Mavs.