The Dallas Mavericks (19-15) are in their final game of a three-game home stand taking on the Los Angeles Lakers (14-20).
The Game At Hand:
The Mavs have been performing dismally as of late, winning only one of three games to start the 2014 year. Dallas faced the New York Knicks on Sunday night, losing in embarrassing fashion 92 to 80.
The Lakers have been on a terrible slump with their franchise guard Kobe Bryant being inactive for six weeks due to a fracture in his left knee. The “Kobe-less” Lakers have lost six of their last eight games.
Keys To The Game:
1. Battle of the Benches:
The Lakers are ranked first in points per game (44.0 PPG) in the league from their bench. Coach Mike D’Antoni has utilized his bench more effectively without the presence of Kobe Bryant in the starting lineup this season. The Mavs have to strategize a way to outscore the Lakers’ bench in order to maintain a lead.
2. Consistency:
The Mavericks may be over .500, but their level of play against teams with a under .500 record has left fans somewhat disgusted. When facing teams over .500, the Dallas is ranked second in the league in efficiency (120.9). In contrast, the Mavs are currently placed 17th in efficiency (114.6). The Mavs have to play tonight with a chip on their shoulders against the Lakers with little room for error.
Matchup Of The Night: Pau Gasol vs. Dirk Nowitzki
Tonight’s matchup is the “Battle of the Europeans”. Dirk Nowtizki and Lakers’ forward Pau Gasol, are arguably two of the greatest European-born basketball players. In November, Gasol passed Detlef Schermpf for second-most in points ever by a European NBA player; of course Nowtizki holds the top position.
With Pau Gasol once again in the trade rumors talks, he looks to make a huge statement tonight in convincing the Lakers front office that he should stay in Los Angeles. Dirk on the other hand, continues to battle through the struggles of the Mavericks recent performances this year.
When and Where:
Tip-off starts at 7:30pm CST and broadcasted on Fox Sports Southwest.
GO MAVS!
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