The Dallas Mavericks travel up to Canada to take on the “new and improved” Toronto Raptors. This is the first game of a mini two-game Eastern Conference road trip for the Mavs.
Game At Hand:
The Toronto Raptors are a team whose quietly making some noise in the Eastern Conference. Toronto has decided that tanking is not an option this season as they hold 4th seed in the Eastern Conference standings right now. Ever since the Raptors shipped off Rudy to the Kings, Toronto has an impressive 13-8 record, including big wins against the OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers.
The Mavs look to gain some ground in a competitive Western Conference before All-Star Break. The Mavs have won five of their last seven games. Dallas won in 102-97 fashion against the Cavs on MLK Day, led by 22 points from Monta Ellis.
Rookie Ricky Ledo has been called up to the Mavs from the D-League.
Keys to the Game:
1. Offense, Offense, and more Offense.
The Raptors are currently 3rd in total average points allowed in a game in the league this season (95.6 PPG). It’s evident that the Mavs cannot rely on their defense to win games. Dallas has to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball.
2. Closing The Game
No lead is ever safe when the Mavs face any team. The team has lost 7 games this season after having a 20+ point lead, with 4 of those losses being in the 4th quarter or overtime. It is important that the Mavs avoid choking when closing out games. Dallas has to stay composed and take advantage of bit of momentum.
Matchup of the Night: Battle of the Backcourt
Watching the Mavs’ backcourt goes up against the Raptors’ backcourt should be interesting. Raptors’ Rudy Gay trade has open doors for guard DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is a perennial candidate for the league Most Improved Award this season. He is the #1 option for the Raptors, which means Monta Ellis has to find a way to lock him down tonight.
Last season, Jose Calderon and Kyle Lowry were battling for the Raptors’ starting spot last season. Eventually, Calderon was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Calderon is looking to show Lowry who is the better point guard tonight.
Quotes:
“It’s a must-win game for us. It’s an important road trip for us just to kind of position ourselves, ’cause right now the West is very strong and there’s a lot going on the way we’re fluctuating in the eighth spot right now. – Vince Carter
“We have seen this whole year that this league is getting closer and closer talent-wise. If you have a lead, you have to work at it. It doesn’t matter who you play, everybody is going to be right there.” – Monta Ellis
When and Where:
The game tips off at 6pm CST and airs on Fox Sports Southwest.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.