The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.

This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Raptors (27-43), as they are coming off a loss in Chicago on Thursday night. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 30-27, after one quarter. The Raptors lost control in the second, where they were outscored by 16 points, leading to a 19-point deficit at the break. They came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a 12-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept up the fight, but they could not complete the comeback and fell for their fifth straight loss. In the absence of the regular starters, Stanley Johnson led the way with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jalen Harris followed up with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Malachi Flynn added 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and a steal. As they close out the season, eliminated from playoff contention, the Raptors' young guys will have another chance to showcase their game, on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks (41-29), have won eight of their last 10 games, including a win in their most recent contest. They will look to keep building and add to their, 20-15, home record, as they face their last home game of the season. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 8.6 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 20.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 16.8 points on 45 percent shooting per game. The Mavs limit themselves to 11.4 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. They also do a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 109.8 points per game, which is eight fewest in the league. The Mavs are tied for fifth place in the West, with a one-game lead over seventh place.