Gameday: Can Green, short-handed Warriors beat Dirk, Mavs?

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Programming note: Warriors-Mavs coverage starts today at 4:30pm with Warriors Pregame Live on CSN Bay Area, and streaming live right here.

The 3-point shot and the bench will be a major key to the Warriors’ fate Wednesday night, when they open a brief two-game road trip at Dallas.

The Warriors lead the NBA in 3-point shooting, while the Mavericks in recent weeks have been as hot as any team from long distance.

But with reigning MVP Stephen Curry likely to miss his first game of the season and starting forward Harrison Barnes out, the Warriors (29-1) could be as thin at any time since 2013-14. Brandon Rush has been subbing for Barnes, while Shaun Livingston likely would replace Curry.

The Mavericks (18-13), who have won three of their last four games, have cranked up the offense of late, particularly beyond the arc. They have drained at least 10 treys in nine of their last 11 and are averaging 12.1 during that span.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Draymond Green vs. Dirk Nowitzki -- Though Dallas coach Rick Carlisle reportedly described Green as an MVP candidate, Nowitzki is an actual former MVP who is playing exceptionally well in his 18th season. The Mavericks generally go no further than he can take them. Student of the game that he is, Green surely realizes that and hopes his slight ankle sprain doesn’t prevent him from running Dirk off the floor.

LAST 10

Warriors: 9-1

Mavericks: 6-4.

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: G Stephen Curry (L leg injury) is listed as questionable. C Festus Ezeli (R big toe) was ruled out. F Harrison Barnes (L ankle sprain), G Leandro Barbosa (L shoulder sprain) and F Kevon Looney (R hip surgery rehab) are not with the team.

Mavericks: G Deron Williams (L hamstring strain) is listed as out.

SERIES HISTORY

The Warriors last season swept the four-game series for the first time since 2007 and have won the last seven meetings overall. The Warriors have not lost a season series to Dallas since 2011-12.

QUOTABLE

“You’re missing a big part of your team if Steph Curry can’t play. But we approach the game the same. We have the ‘Next Man Up’ mentality. Guys will have to elevate their games and be more aggressive. But we’re confident that whether he plays or not that we can compete and try to win here.” – interim Warriors coach Luke Walton at shootaround Wednesday morning

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