NBA 2018-19: 3 Things to watch out for as the Dallas Mavericks host the Oklahoma City Thunder

#2 Absence of Paul George and Russell Westbrook's contribution

Westbrook is averaging a triple-double for the season, but will be without Paul George again through injury

Paul George leads the Thunder in scoring with 26.3 points per game for the season. But he missed their recent 118-102 win over the Suns with a quad injury. Currently listed as day-to-day, he's also expected to miss this encounter against the Mavs.

Westbrook took over the scoring mantle in George's mantle, scoring 40 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out eight assists. He did everything to ensure a routine Thunder victory.

This is the third consecutive season where Westbrook is averaging a triple double. He has an average of 21 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game for the campaign to date, even while struggling to shoot the basketball well. He's averaging only 60.7% from the free-throw line and 25.8% from the 3PT line.

As usual though, the Thunder will rely majorly on Westbrook's contribution to take them home in this match.