Dallas @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 16, 2019 ) Toronto 102, Dallas 110

The Toronto Raptors and the Dallas Mavericks are each finding ways to win despite being without some of their best players. Stars like Pascal Siakam and Luka Doncic could still be missing when the Raptors host the Mavericks on Sunday, but both teams remain confident.

Dallas already knocked off two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Doncic sidelined - sandwiching wins at Milwaukee and Philadelphia around a home loss to Boston - and is showing off the depth of its entire roster. "One of our biggest strengths is our depth," Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis told reporters after the 117-98 triumph at Philadelphia on Friday. "We have so many different weapons and so many different guys that can come in. I almost feel bad because we have so many guys that can come in, and sometimes they don't get the opportunity. But I would say we have a very professional team where everybody stays ready." The Raptors stretched their latest winning streak to four in a row on Friday despite the absence of starters Siakam (groin), Marc Gasol (hamstring) and Norman Powell (shoulder). "Hung on for the win and any win is tough in this league, for sure, especially when you're missing half your team," Toronto coach Nick Nurse told reporters.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), Sportsnet 1, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet West (Toronto)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (19-9): Doncic leads Dallas in scoring (29.3 points), rebounds (9.6) and assists (8.9) but the team had six players step up to score in double figures in Friday's win. "This has been a good thing for us, just from the standpoint of having other guys put in the situation to have to step up," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "It's forced us as coaches to make certain adjustments that we have to make. You never want to be without a guy like Luka Doncic. He's a great all-around player, and we need him back as soon as possible. But as long as he's out, we have a plan and the guys are executing well." Porzingis collected 22 points and a career-high 18 rebounds at Philadelphia while Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 27.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (20-8): Serge Ibaka started in place of Siakam and collected 23 points and 10 rebounds while All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry recorded 26 points and nine assists in the 122-118 triumph over Washington on Friday. "Mentor, scorer, playmaker, just a confidence giver," Lowry told reporters of his role during the rash of injuries. "Continue to give these guys confidence in what they are doing. Kick the ball ahead and make sure they shoot their shots and if they miss their shots, never put their head down. Just continue to communicate with them." Siakam, Gasol and Powell are all out indefinitely, leaving Lowry to carry the load along with Ibaka, OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Patrick McCaw in the starting lineup.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Mavericks PG Jalen Brunson is averaging 11.3 points and 9.7 assists in three games starting in place of Doncic, who is not expected to play Sunday.

2. VanVleet (knee) collected 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Friday in his return from a five-game absence.

3. Dallas earned a 110-102 home win over Toronto on Nov. 16 behind 26 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists from Doncic.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 112, Raptors 108