Mavs vs. Thunder: 3 Big Things to Watch - 'I'm Ready,' Says Jaden Hardy

“I feel like I’m ready," said Hardy when asked about potentially getting more playing time. "I feel like I can help the team in a lot of ways. Defensively, I feel like I can help the team too. Me being able to shoot the ball and be on the play-make, and play off of Luka Doncic.”

Coach Jason Kidd has made it tough for Hardy to earn playing time so far this season as his lack of experience and still-developing defense has hindered him from hitting the floor more often – but when he has played, he's proven that he's capable of scoring at will.

"[Hardy] was great," said Kidd. "You look at the carryover from the Celtics game, what he did tonight was really, really good. We've just got to keep stacking that positivity and keep him on the floor, give him more minutes hopefully tomorrow."

With the Facu Campazzo and Kemba Walker experiments both having come and gone, why not put more trust in the young bull? There's nothing to lose in a game like this, especially if Doncic is on the shelf.

Defending SGA…Or Not

The fifth-year Thunder guard is having himself an All-Star season. Through 35 games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

In two games vs. Dallas this season, SGA is averaging 40 points per game, with 42 and 38-point performances as the team's have split the first two matchups. 

For Dallas, that's an issue, especially with the likes of Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Green out of the lineup for tonight's contest. 

Look for Kidd to throw what's left in the kitchen sink at Gilgeous-Alexander, including Reggie Bullock, Frank Ntilikina, and maybe even McKinley Wright IV.

Point blank, it could be a long night for Maverick defenders if SGA finds his groove at home on Sunday. He'll be the best player on the floor if Doncic does sit out as expected.