Big Lineup Change Coming For The Mavericks?

 

It seemed to be only a matter of time. After making his feelings known last week about his limited playing time, it appears that—finally—Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood could be moved into the starting lineup. That's the hint dropped by head coach Jason Kidd.

Report: Christian Wood is likely starting, per @townbrad

FINALLY 🙏🙏🙏#MFFL pic.twitter.com/aCdfPq6cvl

— MFFL (9-8) (@Mavs_FFL) November 25, 2022

“Sometimes change has to happen,” said Kidd. 

After leading the Houston Rockets in scoring for two years and averaging over 30 minutes a game, Wood was dealt to the Mavericks in the offseason and has inexplicably been in a Sixth Man role, averaging just 25 minutes a game. That's despite his Per-36 Minutes averages of 25 points and 11 rebounds. And that's not to mention his blistering 44.7% from three-point range.

Now, with the Mavs struggling along at just 9-8, it seems that Kidd is ready to make the move that's been long-expected, possibly inserting Wood into the starting lineup. 

After playing together for 10 minutes of the 4th quarter in their last game, the Luka Doncic-Wood combo showed Kidd enough to convince him to make the change.

“You look at what they did,” Kidd said. “They have a great connection. They did a good job against one of the best teams in the league (Boston). So hopefully we can grow from this and we can have those two out there in Toronto (Saturday night).”

In that Thanksgiving Eve loss to the Boston Celtics, Wood played a season-high 34 minutes, putting up 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports