Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

LaMarcus Aldridge may be returning to action (Photo via Twitter)

The San Antonio Spurs (26-36) will try to avoid being swept by the Dallas Mavericks (39-26) in their season series tonight in the AT&T Center. Fresh off a three-game road trip in which they went 1-2, the Spurs are back in South Texas for a four-game homestand.

As it stands, the Spurs are five games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. San Antonio is currently the 12th seed — and they’re only one game up on the 13th seeded Phoenix Suns.

The Mavericks are the seventh seed but they have a chance to move up the standings if they finish the season strong. While the Spurs are five games out of the playoffs, the Mavs are five games out of the second seed.

LaMarcus Aldridge Returning from Injury?

It appears as if LaMarcus Aldridge will be back in the starting lineup for the Spurs. He missed six games due to a shoulder injury but has been upgraded to probable for tonight’s affair. This is good news for San Antonio, especially because he was doubtful as of yesterday.

Jakob Poeltl, Aldridge’s backup, remains out with a knee injury.

Dejounte Murray Hit with the Injury Bug

The Spurs have avoided injuries for much of this season. Unfortunately, their players are now falling like flies. The latest player to get injured is Dejounte Murray. He hurt his calf against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It is expected that he’ll be out for at least a couple weeks.

Expect Derrick White to be elevated to the starting lineup and handle point guard duties. Off the bench, Patty Mills is likely to shift over to point guard.

Normally, this would mean more minutes for Lonnie Walker IV — however, he’s still out with a bruised shin. That means Keldon Johnson will likely stay in the rotation.

Marco Belinelli is also back after missing time due to an illness. He, too, could get playing time due to Murray and Walker being out.

Dallas Mavericks Injury Update

The Mavs are also dealing with their own injuries. Luka Doncic is currently listed as questionable due to a wrist injury. Dorian Finney-Smith is also questionable with an injured hip.

Three players for the Mavs will miss the game. Seth Curry has an ankle injury, while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Willie Cauley-Stein are out sick.

Prediction: Spurs vs. Mavericks

The Spurs will be aided by the return of Aldridge. However, if Doncic plays, the Mavs should win this game. Even if he doesn’t, the Spurs chances still aren’t that good.

Dallas Mavericks – 112
San Antonio Spurs – 104