The Dallas Mavericks defeated play host to the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.

This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavs (13-13), after a hard-fought win in OKC on Sunday evening, where they were able to come out on top, despite missing their leading scorer, Luka Doncic. The contest got out to a tight start, as the Mavericks led by one point, after one quarter, but they took control in the second to build a 10-point advantage by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Mavs held strong and carried a nine-point advantage into the final frame. They sealed the deal in the fourth, where they outscored the hosts by 10 points to run away with the road win. Jalen Brunson led the way, with 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Maxi Kleber followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists, and Moses Brown added 15 points, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Mavs will look to keep rolling and add to their, 6-6, home record. Doncic (ankle) is expected to remain sidelined.

Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a six-game road trip for the Hornets (15-13), as they look to improve on their, 7-9, road record. The Hornets are dealing with a flood of injuries, as Mason Plumlee (COVID-19), Ish Smith (COVID-19), Jalen McDaniels (COVID-19) and LaMelo Ball (COVID-19) will be sidelined, while P.J. Washington (illness) is listed as questionable for action. As a result of all the absences, Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin will continue to play crucial roles in extended minutes. Oubre has been playing great lately, averaging 22.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals, over his last 10 games. Gordon Hayward is averaging 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists, while Terry Rozier is averaging 17.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game.