As if the Mavericks didn’t already have enough problems after their 38-point loss in Game 1, Dallas likely lose its starting backcourt – J.J. Barea and Deron Williams – for Game 2.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN:Barea will miss Game 2 because of a groin strain that sidelined him for two of the Mavs’ last three regular-season games. He aggravated the injury on a layup during the second quarter Saturday and did not return to the game after fouling on the next possession.
Williams is listed as doubtful because of a sports hernia that caused him to miss eight games late in the regular season.
Barea and Williams were abysmal in Game 1, combining to shoot 2-for-15 with six assists and four turnovers. Even if they don’t play, Dallas is likely to receive better output from its guards. But good enough to beat the Thunder?
Williams was solid throughout the season, and Barea surged down the stretch. The Mavericks’ ceiling is lower if relying more Raymond Felton and Devin Harris. Even good games by those two’s standards might not best Oklahoma City.
Justin Anderson could also see a bigger role due to these injuries, but he was probably in line for more minutes, anyway.
