The Portland Trail Blazers are set to face the Dallas Mavericks tonight at Portland's Moda Center in a highly anticipated matchup. With a 6:00 PM Pacific start, basketball fans are eagerly awaiting the game and hoping for an exciting battle between these two talented teams.

To gain insights into the Mavericks' preparations and mindset ahead of the game, we spoke with Dalton Trigg, the editor-in-chief of DallasBasketball.com. Trigg provided valuable information on the Mavericks' response to Kyrie Irving's absence from their lineup after his injury against the Blazers last week.

The absence of Irving hasn't hindered the Mavericks' performance significantly, as they have responded well in his previous absences earlier this season due to foot soreness. Impressively, the Mavericks hold a 5-2 record in games without Irving. However, after a lackluster offensive performance in their recent loss to the Timberwolves, the Mavericks recognize the importance of having Irving back in the lineup as soon as possible.

When asked about the key to a Mavericks victory in Saturday's game, Trigg revealed that it would heavily rely on the performance of their star player, Luka Doncic. With Doncic being the best player on the floor, the Mavericks always have a solid chance of coming out on top. Trigg also emphasized the significance of 3-point shooting for the team, highlighting their subpar performance in their last game where they shot just 21.9% from deep. He expects the Mavericks to improve their shooting efficiency and not repeat the same mistakes.

In addition to the statistical analysis, Trigg provided an interesting tidbit about rookie big man Dereck Lively II, who has had a significant impact on the team. Lively's contributions extend beyond traditional box score stats, as his presence and efforts on the defensive end and setting screens for Doncic have been instrumental in changing the dynamics of the Mavericks' roster.

One of the exciting matchups to watch in the game will be between Dante Exum and Anfernee Simons. In their previous encounter, Simons outperformed Exum individually, although the Mavericks emerged victoriously. Exum, known for his tenacious perimeter defense, will be looking to contain Simons and limit his scoring output. It'll be a test of Exum's defensive skills against Simons' scoring prowess.

In terms of a prediction for Saturday's game, Trigg acknowledged that the Mavericks will be facing a stronger Trail Blazers team with the return of Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Malcolm Brogdon from injuries. However, he remains confident that the Mavericks' 3-point shooting will improve, ultimately leading to a comfortable double-digit win for the team.

As fans eagerly anticipate the clash between the Trail Blazers and the Mavericks, the absence of Kyrie Irving adds an interesting dynamic to the game. Both teams will be looking to make a statement and secure a crucial victory as they continue their pursuit of success in the competitive NBA landscape.