For the ninth time ever in their young careers, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic will match up tonight in what should be an entertaining contest. Both of these star players are within the high ranks of the NBA MVP race this season, but who will prevail?
Of the 8 previous matchups of these two, Luka has the winning record of 5-3 over Tatum. However, in their only contest this season, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics beat the Mavericks 125-112 while putting up 37 points. Coming off a brutal and embarrassing Celtics loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder this week, Boston will be eager to bounce back in full force tonight.
THE TATUM & DONCIC MATCH UP
Jayson Tatum:
Over the last 5 games, Tatum has averaged 32 PPG, 7.8 RPG and 3.6 APG.
On the season, Tatum is averaging 30.8 PPG, just slightly lower than the last 5 games.
He is also near the top of the league in minutes played this year with 36.7 MPG.
Tatum is currently ranked 5th within the PPG league leaders this season.
As of the January 2nd, Tatum is ranked number 2 in the MVP race for this season.
Luka Doncic:
Over the last 5 games, Luka has averaged 43.4 PPG, 12 RPG, 9.8 APG.
On the season, Doncic is averaging 34.3 PPG, lower than the current tear he is on.
He plays similar minutes to Tatum, currently averaging 37 MPG.
Doncic is currently number 1 within the PPG league leaders this season.
As of January 2nd, Doncic is ranked number 3 in the MVP race for this season.
THE CELTICS & MAVERICKS MATCH UP
Boston Celtics
Boston currently holds the number 1 spot in the Eastern Conference and in the NBA.
Celtics have been streaky this year, they are 26-12 and have gone 5-5 in their last 10.
They currently have the number 1 offensive rating in the league.
They currently have the 10th best defensive rating in the league.
They are in the midst of a 4 game roadtrip and are eager to get back into the win column.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas currently holds the number 4 spot in the Western Conference and 9th in the NBA.
Mavericks started slow this year but are 22-16 and have gone 8-2 in their last 10.
They currently have the 5th best offensive rating in the league.
They currently have the 15th best defensive rating in the league.
The team and Doncic have been on a hot streak and will look to even up the season series at one game a piece tonight.
The Boston Celtics will need yet another big performance from their all-stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to remain competitive with the very hot Dallas Mavericks. They will need to take advantage of their powerhouse offense, make their open looks and be aggressive near the rim. This game will be played on the Mavericks home turf, giving a slight advantage to Luka and the Mav's. The game tips off at 7:30 pm EST tonight, let's go Celtics!
Comments